Fakoly Drum & Dance Conference June 12 - June 14

People of all ages and skill levels—beginners through advanced—are welcome to join hand‑drumming and dance classes. 

Hosted by Fode Seydou Bangoura Fakoly, this workshop gives participants an authentic and culturally rich experience in West African drumming and dance. Instruction is led by expert drummers and dancers from Guinea, Mali, and Nigeria. These artists are dedicated to teaching others about traditional West African music and movement. 

Famoro comes from Kankan in Guinea’s Manden region and is the grandson of the famous djeli Sory Kouyate. He is a master of the balafon and has performed with well‑known musicians such as Sekouba Bambino, Mory Kanté, and Sekouba Kandia Kouyate. Today, he continues to share his music through performances and teaching in New York and other places.   He will be accompanying dance classes and bringing his magic to the Saturday evening performance—an experience not to miss. Register and learn more at Fakoly Conference | Duniya Drum And Dance

• Date: Friday, June 12 - Sunday, June 14, 2026 

• Location: University of Minnesota Barbara Barker Center for Dance, 500 21st Avenue South 

• Metered parking and parking ramp available, Easy to reach by public Transportation 

This Cultural Districts Art Fund program activity is funded by the Arts & Cultural Affairs Department in the City of Minneapolis. This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.