Master drummer Adama Dramé, born in 1954 in Burkina Faso, is a 6th-generation djeli from the Malinké region of West Africa. Once Dramé decided to follow his father in the griot tradition, they practiced together extensively, and he became a full-fledged member of his father's group at the age of 12. Along with his performing and recording duties, Dramé is a djembe instructor and artistic leader of Ballet Foliba. (Excerpted / Paraphrased from: Heather Phares, All Music Guide)

The Malinké people, whose kingdom was established in 1213, extended their power from Guinea to Algeria as far as Gao on the river Niger. Their homeland was situated in the mountainous country west of Bamako, Mali. The Malinkés created one of the richest musical traditions in Africa. (Paraphrased from discographical notes on the Mondomix website)

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