BACK TO THE ROOTS -THE GAMBIA: April 2010

Welcome

Mbackeh Darboe is well known for his wild dancing, pounding drumming and haunting singing skills. Born into a “Griot” family (the musical historians of West Africa), he specialises in the vibrant Afro-Manding rhythms, from The Gambia, Senegal, Mali and Guinea.

As lead singer and dancer with The Gambia’s number one band “Roots Kunta Kinteh”, Mbackeh left in 1995 to make his Australian debut at Festival of Darwin. For 12 years, he worked Australia wide performing at major Festivals plus providing valuable African cultural learning experience workshops for all ages and abilities. He has appeared in over 50 major festivals in Australia. In Canberra he worked for the Department of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and Community Aid Abroad, culminating in a performance at Parliament House. For two years he ran an “African Cultural Experience” program for schools in South Australia, in conjunction with Global Education. He continued a similar program in the Northern Territory with drumming, drum making and dance workshops, which were especially popular with Aboriginal communities.

In Adelaide he joined forces with powerful Gambian percussionist Ebrima King Marong to form “Bantaba Binde” band (“the meeting place in Mandinka). Then his own high energy “Mandinka Music” band over the years which included several leading Australian musicians.

In 2007 he returned home to form an exciting “super band” of all experienced Gambian musicians “Back To The Roots”. With traditional Kora (21 string harp), Balafon (xylophone), drums plus guitars, a contemporary Afro Manding flavour has emerged plus surprise original material. CD now available. (video see blog April 2010 below) They starred at Kartong Festival 2009 in The Gambia. Mbackeh performed at UK festivals in 2008 & 2009 plus Global Links schools programs. In February 2012 he returned to Darwin, Australia and formed an exciting new band of "African Brothers" all star drummers from Liberia, South Sudan & The Gambia. 2013-2016 returned to The Gambia and worked as a Music & Entertainment Presenter with Gambia TV & Radio Services. He returned to Darwin, Australia early 2017 and now features in Darwin World Mix Collective.

Workshops

WORKSHOPS FOR SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS
with Mbackeh Darboe

(Based on programme in conjunction with Global Education, South Australia)

Learn about everyday life and customs in The Gambia, West Africa through music, dance and story telling; farming, naming ceremonies, coming of age ceremonies, marriage, festivals plus stories from the ancient kingdom of Mali.

Program choice available:

PERFORMANCE

Including an introduction to drumming and dancing for everyone to participate in.

DRUMMING AND/OR DANCING WORKSHOPS
For beginners/ improvers hands on experience. (maximum 35 students)

DRUM MAKING
Full day and dependent on availability of materials. Drums for sale.

STORY TELLING
A talk and slide show can be included. Educational Notes available.

For Hourly rates contact backtotherootsmusic@gmail.com
Reduced rates negotiable for more than one class.

Outcomes
• Developing recreational and creative arts skills in rhythms, music and dance. Dancing is a fun way to keep fit!
• Developing self-esteem, using your own skills, working together as a group.

• Sharing a musical journey with Mbackeh, students experience a taste of true African life and culture, as music relates to every aspect of life there. They not only gain more understanding and appreciation of differences of a very communal society, but also learn what they value and about themselves.

. Drumming has highly therapeutic benefits: research has provided support for positive effects of drumming experiences on social behaviours, grief, self expression, self-esteem, group cohesion, depression, behavioural issues, bi-manual co-ordination and learning for children & adults. Drumming can be a powerful tool to help address a variety of needs & part of a healing process.