Kathryn Palumbo

Master percussionist Fana Soro introduces students to traditional playing techniques of the djembé, West Africa’s most popular drum. Fana also shares call and response songs in his mother tongue of Senoufo.

Fana Soro, is the group leader of a performance group called Masabo. Originally from the Senoufo tribe in northern Cote d’Ivoire he spent 9 years as a member of the prestigious Ballet National de Cote d’Ivoire touring England, Holland, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Yugoslavia, Martinique and West Africa. In 1990, he moved to Norway to perform throughout the Norwegian educational system and work as Artist in Residence at the International Children’s Museum in Oslo. From there, Fana continued to tour throughout Northern Europe with the celebrated West African group, Super Djembé Kan. In 1997, Fana moved to Vancouver and formed Masabo, a performance group specializing in traditional West African music, dance and story. Fana and his family have made their home in Ottawa since 2010.

I had the opportunity to photograph Fana Soro leading a djembé workshop at a grade school level. Observing Fana Soro perform and teach his students was such an uplifting experience. He is pure joy. Between songs he was incredibly engaging with the students and shared his secret to happiness. Smile. Just smile.

“When you smile you are more relaxed. Life becomes more easy. I would like to see everyone in the morning…if you are healthy? Smile.”

– Fana Soro

Here is a link to Masabo – Fana Soro.

About these photographs:

Taken with a Nikon D7000

December 17, 2012