Dramane Kone and Ballet Djelia Kadi

Ballet Djelia Kadi highlights not only the amazing talents of Dramane Kone but an ensemble of other professional musicians and dancers as well. Look for the "Djelia Kadi" playlist on the "Djembebalafon" channel on YouTube for videos from recent performances at corporate events, movies, sound tracks, celebrity, Festivals, Theaters, birthdays, parties, weddings, fundraisers and more!

Set length and number of performers can be tailored to accommodate any venue, budget or theme.

Instruments: Djembe, Dunduns (base drums), Balafon, N'goni, Kora
Performers: Dancers, Stilt Walkers, Acrobats.

Ballet Djelia Kadi was established over 30 years ago by Dramane Kone, a third-generation master drummer and griot (traditional storyteller) from Burkina Faso in West Africa. Dramane began learning to play percussion instruments at the age of 3. He has toured Europe and the United States and played with musical legends Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Shakira, and Herbie Hancock, and has performed for Oprah Winfrey for her Super Soul sessions on YouTube. Dramane played music for lots of movie soundtracks like Black Panthers, Babylon, and Coming to America, and played for a lot of news, like NBC, ABC, CNN, and Fox News. We play music for corporations. Festivals, theaters, events, team building, birthdays, bar mitzvahs, birthdays, or any other occasion.
Ballet Djelia Kadi is a dynamic West African drumming and dancing group led by Dramane Kone, a third-generation master drummer and griot (traditional storyteller) from Burkina Faso, West Africa. With a rich cultural heritage and a passion for showcasing the rhythms and movements of Africa, Ballet Djelia Kadi has become renowned for their electrifying performances.
Dramane Kone (surname also spelled Koné) is a master drummer and griot from Burkina Faso. He is best known for his appearance (studying balafon at age 4) in the Taali Laafi Rosselini documentary film Great Great Grandparents Music, which featured vignettes of Dramane Kone's griot family life in West Africa. He specializes in the goblet-shaped hand drum called the djembe. He is a member of the Dioula ethnic group.
Early life:
Dramane Kone was born in the capital city of Ouagadougou, in central Burkina Faso. He began studying music at the age of three under Dougoutigui Kone, elder djembefola (master djembe player) of Ouagadougou. Kone was educated in the ancient drumming traditions of West Africa and was initiated into the history and music of the Manding (also spelled Mandingue) people. His later musical education included private studies with a number of village elders, masters, and griots.
His father is the musical griot/master drummer Dougoutigui Kone. After their appearances in the Rossellini film, his father moved the family to and from Mali, west Africa.
Career:
Dramane won national contests starting in 1996. The Rossellini film was released in 1997, and in 1998 Dramane went on to perform as djembefola (djembe drummer) with the National Ballet of Burkina Faso (he also plays Dunun, Balafon and Ngoni) accompanying dancers in the ballet and was then promoted to lead djembefola in the NBBF before migrating to the U.S. in 1999.
Dramane Kone traveled widely in Western Europe from (phone number hidden)8. In November 2009, he taught a public masterclass on djembe and dunun at the Toronto Centre for the Arts sponsored by the Burkina Faso consulate and a private association of Burkina Faso. He performed with Djelia Kadi in Los Angeles California.
He is also the brother of griot and master drummer Mamadou Koné (d. 2012), and the two Koné brothers and their father played together in various traditional and popular music ensembles in Burkina Faso and elsewhere.

Ballet Djelia Kadi is a professional West African drumming and dancing group that brings the essence of Africa to your event. Here are some important notes and technical information about the band:

1. No Microphones Needed: The powerful sound of the drums allows Ballet Djelia Kadi to perform without the need for microphones. Their energetic drumming can fill any venue with resounding beats, ensuring a captivating and immersive experience for your audience.

2. Instrumentation: The ensemble features traditional West African instruments, including djembes, dunun drums, balafons, shekeres, and other percussive instruments. These authentic instruments create a rich and vibrant sound that transports listeners to the heart of Africa.

3. Versatile Performers: Ballet Djelia Kadi is not just about drumming; their talented members are also skilled dancers, stilt walkers, and acrobats. This versatility allows them to deliver a multi-dimensional performance that combines rhythmic beats with captivating movements, adding an extra layer of excitement to their shows.

4. Professionalism: Each member of Ballet Djelia Kadi is a highly trained professional with years of experience in their respective fields. They bring a level of expertise and artistry that ensures a top-notch performance at every event.

5. Customizable Performances: Whether you're hosting a corporate event, festival, wedding, or private party, Ballet Djelia Kadi can tailor their performance to suit your specific needs. They can adapt their repertoire, choreography, and duration to create a memorable and personalized experience for your guests.

6. Engaging Workshops: In addition to performances, Ballet Djelia Kadi also offers interactive drumming and dancing workshops. These engaging sessions allow participants to learn the basics of West African rhythms, dance movements, and cultural traditions, providing a unique and educational experience for all ages.

7. Sound Requirements: Since the drums produce powerful and resonant sounds, the band requires a suitable performance space that can accommodate their energetic performances. It is recommended to have a dedicated area or stage with sufficient room for the performers and their instruments.

By booking Ballet Djelia Kadi, you are guaranteed a professional, culturally enriching, and high-energy performance that highlights the vibrant traditions of West African drumming and dancing. Their expertise and passion will create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.