M. Lamine "Dibo" Camara was born on the lush tropical west coast of Guinea in 1957 to parents of Susu and Baga origin. His professional training began in Conakry at the age of ten, where he tirelessly perfected the rich and diverse music of his shared ethnicities, learning the voice of the sanbanyi (yembé/djembe) from traditional drum masters who passed down the ancient music of their culture to their young apprentices. After being selected as a troupe member of the Yolé club of Boulbinet, he traveled throughout Guinea to perform at village celebrations and seasonal ceremonies where he quickly mastered the rhythms of neighboring ethnic groups including the Malinké, Bambara, Fula and Temne. During these years, his instrumental repertoire expanded to mastery of the doundoumba, sangban, kenkeni, sico, krinyi, and gongoma.
Referring not only to the premier West African music and dance ensemble, "Forè-Foté" symbolizes a true cultural and artistic exchange, devoid of racial, gender, or ethnic bias, where people of all colors can experience the energy, grace, and power of traditional West African arts. Founded by Master percussionist, composer, choreographer, and teacher, M. Lamine "Dibo" Camara, and comprised of acclaimed international artists from Africa, Europe, and the United States, Company Forè-Foté will soon be bringing worlds together in your community through fiery performances and expert multi-cultural workshops and lecture/demonstrations.
The music of Forè-Foté represents the rich diversity and spirit of the major ethnic groups of the traditional core Sanbanyi or Yembé (Djembe in Malinke) playing diaspora largely located within the present day countries of Guinea and Mali. In these societies there are traditional rhythms and dances for virtually every event in a person's life–from naming ceremonies to funeral ceremonies. There are rhythms for work, for celebration, marriage, welcome . . . , and it is for these aspects of daily life that the djembe and its music exist–and from this that the music of Forè-Foté begins. Applied to these ancient rhythms is the imaginativeness of Master Drummer, M. Lamine "Dibo" Camara, whose heart-pounding new arrangements of these rhythms he learned as a child bring the traditional a brilliant and contemporary twist.
In May of 1999, these rhythms were released on the Forè-Foté CD, "Wonbéré". Meaning, "With Joy", this musical collection represents a profound achievement in Guinean musical culture helping not only to preserve its sacred music and dance but also to propel it into the next millennium. Learn more about the "Wonbéré" CD and find out how to purchase this amazing musical work on the Marketplace page.
We thank you for your commitment to African arts and look forward to meeting you at an event soon. This site will constantly be updated. Our calendar section will be updated monthly and we have more streaming audio and video planned, so please check back soon!!