AMADOU KIENOU (Bio)

Master drummer Amadou Kienou hails from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, West Africa, once part of the vast ancient Mandingo Empire. A descendant of the Dafin people, Amadou was initiated as a griot (an oral historian), one of a long line of griots whose role is to preserve and transmit their people’s history, culture, and values. The djembe is Amadou’s principal instrument. As he describes it, “the djembe is more than a musical instrument; it is an extension of the musician through which he expresses his life, his emotions.” Mastery of the djembe requires a lifetime of discipline and dedication, and the guidance of a djembe master, provided, in Amadou’s case, primarily by his father, the late revered Baba Kienou. As a griot, musician-composer, and choreographer Amadou Kienou has been active throughout North America, Africa, Europe, Asia, India, and the Caribbean. In recognition of his artistry, he has received numerous awards, including Best African Performing Artist in Canada 2019, Radio Kilimanjaro’s Best Male Performer of 2018 and Male Artist of the Year 2016, Cultural Ambassador of Burkina Faso in Canada in 2014, and Best Artist of Burkina Faso in 2011.His most prestigious award is being honoured with the Order of Merit in Canada in 2017.

Presented in partnership with La Maison de la Culture Francophone du Niagara in celebration of Franco – Ontarian Flag Day

Célébrons ensemble! Chansons et percussions africaines, spectacle interactif par le maître du djembé Amadou Kienou et ses musiciens

Samedi 24 septembre à 13h00 au Bandshell de Peace Park (spectacle GRATUIT )
Présenté en partenariat avec La Maison de la Culture Francophone du Niagara.

For more information, visit: www.mcfniagara.com