April 25, 2016

On April 27 and 29, some 1000 students will have the opportunity to witness a master drummer in action during his tour in four Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario (CSCNO) schools. On Wednesday, April 27, Amadou Kienou will present a show at 10 a.m., at École St-Paul (185 6th Avenue, Lively) and at 1:45 p.m. at École catholique Félix-Ricard (691 Lasalle Blvd, Sudbury). On Friday, April 29, this artist will display his musical skills at École St-Denis (1200 Ramsey View Court, Sudbury) at 10 a.m., and at École St-Dominique (2096 Montfort St., Sudbury) at 1:30 p.m. Members of the media are invited to attend either of the presentations.

Born in Burkina Faso, this internationally-renowned artist will present a show entitled « Farafina Djeli kan » - the message of the Griot in Western Africa. The djembe drum and the tama are the percussion instruments to be featured. Amadou Kienou is the son of a famous family of griots, the keepers of the oral tradition in Western Africa. Raised in a strong family musical environment, Amadou learns the Mandigo traditions, songs and rhythms. Under the direction of this father, Amadou becomes a specialist of the djembe and perfects his own musical style.

Like no one else, Amadou can play both the djembe and the tama simultaneously while offering to his audience a sound usually performed by an orchestra. Today, Amadou continues to compose, play and teach his music throughout the world. He has played along well known artists such as Miriam Makeba, Manu Dibango, Angélique Kidjo, Kassav, Youssou N'dour and Salif Keita. In 2011, he was presented the best Burkinabe artist award at the Burkina Faso International Cinema Festival.

The Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario offers a French Catholic Educational Program that is widely recognized for its excellence. The CSCNO provides a quality learning environment and academic program that runs from early childhood to adult education, with some 7,000 students in 27 elementary and 10 secondary schools.

INFO:

Paul de la Riva
Interim Assistant Director of Communications and Community Development
Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario
(705) 673-5626, ext. 294
(705) 677-8195 – cell phone