IBRAHIMA CAMARA

Ibrahima Camara was born and raised in Dakar, Senegal. A member of the Serere and Malenke tribes, Mr. Camara comes from a family of musicians and began traditional apprenticeship study at a very early age. After completing his apprenticeship he began his career as a performer with the National Ballet of Senegal and Les Ballets Africain de Djabel Gueye. In 1968 he achieved the position of Lead Drummer and Musical Director for Senegal's foremost performance company, The National Ballet. By this time he had attained distinction of Master Drummer. Since 1974, Mr. Camara has resided in the United States where he continues his work as performer, choreographer, artistic director, bandleader and teacher.

Master Drummer Ibrahima Camara first came to America from Senegal was one of the first to introduce African music to this country. Over the years, he has performed with Stevie Wonder and saxophonist Pharoah Sanders. With his friend Mamadou Diop, and with the Jololé Band, "Ibou" displays his immense talent on djembe, sabar and talking drum.