
Dafina Roots Band
New York, New York, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2024
Bio
DAFINAROOTS BAND
Where West African Rhythms Meet Modern Harmonies
ABOUT THE BAND
DafinaRoots Band, founded by percussionist Mamoudou Konate Simbo from Burkina Faso, brings together the musical traditions of West Africa with jazz and contemporary sounds. Since their formation, they've become a fixture in Harlem's music scene, where their performances transform venues into celebrations with crowds spontaneously dancing.
The band's sound blends polyrhythms, melodic lines, and call-and-response vocals that invite audience participation. This combination honors traditional African music while embracing contemporary influences.
MEET THE BAND
Mamoudou Konate Simbo | Percussionist and Lead Vocalist
Mamoudou is a skilled percussionist from Burkina Faso who combines traditional rhythms with contemporary influences. He plays djembe, talking drum, and balafon, creating the foundation of the band's sound. His vocals, sung in his native language, connect audiences to West African musical traditions.
Moussa Drame | Guitarist
Moussa combines traditional West African guitar techniques with contemporary styles, adding harmonic and melodic elements to every performance.
Charles Caldarola | Drummer
Charles provides the rhythmic foundation for the band. His drumming creates a bridge between African and Western rhythmic approaches, establishing grooves that get audiences moving.
Remmi Nicole | Percussionist and Vocalist
Remmi's voice and percussion work add depth to the band's sound. Her harmonies with Mamoudou create vocal interplay while her percussion adds textural complexity.
Jens Pierre | Bassist
Jens anchors the band with groove-filled bass lines. His playing combines jazz traditions with West African patterns, creating a foundation that drives the band forward.
Marco Chelo | Saxophonist
Marco is a saxophonist and co-founder of the New York Jazz Workshop, a leading music education institute in New York City. His jazz background complements the band's West African roots, adding melodic elements to the rhythmic foundation.
PERFORMANCES
DafinaRoots Band has become a treasured fixture in Harlem, with regular performances at Silvana and Shrine World Music Venue that draw capacity crowds. They've performed at various venues throughout Harlem, from established music spots to community spaces and festivals.
What distinguishes a DafinaRoots performance is not just musical excellence but the sense of joy and connection that permeates the room. As one audience member remarked, "When DafinaRoots plays, it feels like the whole neighborhood is celebrating together."
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Issyra Gallery - Saturday, February 8 at 9PM - Hoboken, NJ - $20
- Silvana - Tuesday, February 11, 10PM-12AM
- Shrine World Music Venue - Friday, February 14, 8PM-10PM
- Silvana - Sunday, March 9, 8PM-10PM
- Shrine World Music Venue - Saturday, March 22, 10PM-12AM
- Silvana - Friday, April 4, 10PM-12AM
- Shrine World Music Venue - Thursday, April 10, 10PM-12AM
SOUND
DafinaRoots' music is rooted in the percussive traditions of West Africa while incorporating elements of jazz, funk, and subtle electronic textures. Their repertoire includes original compositions and reimagined traditional songs from Burkina Faso. Performances build in intensity, beginning with melodic pieces before transitioning to high-energy dance numbers.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Beyond performances, DafinaRoots has established roots in Harlem through educational workshops and community outreach. Mamoudou leads percussion workshops at local schools, sharing traditional rhythms with new generations. The band's music serves as a bridge between cultures, bringing diverse audiences together.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email: bookings@dafinaroots.com
Phone: (212) 555-7890
Website: www.dafinaroots.com
Instagram: @DafinaRootsBand
Facebook: facebook.com/DafinaRootsBand
"When DafinaRoots performs, the boundary between performers and audience dissolves. We participate in something greater than ourselves, connected through rhythm and movement." — Harlem Arts Journal
Band Members
Links