Le Bagatae

[bubudi]

artistic director & choreographer: moustapha bangoura
from their 2008 annual drum & dance conference in chicago



more info: http://www.lebagatae.com/

moustapha bangoura was born in 1955 in conakry, guinea, of baga and susu heritage. he spent part of his childhood in the village of kiffinda where he learned to appreciate the heritage of the baga people. he started dancing and performing at the age of 13 under the direction of sekouba camara (ballet djoliba, ballets africains). he also studied with the other greats, frankis magloire camara (ballet djoliba, ballets africains), italo zambo (ballet demba kanoute, ballets africains, ballet national du senegal), hamidou bangoura (ballets africains) and mohamed kemoko sano (ballet djoliba, ballets africains, merveilles d'afrique). this inspired him to develop a unique style and vibrant choreography. moustapha is a 22 year veteran of the largest and most celebrated dance company from the continent of africa – les ballets africains and has travelled to perform in over 165 capital cities. he is a master dancer, drummer and choreographer.

in 1993 moustapha founded le bagatae, an authorized dance and drum school in conakry. since 1997 moustapha has conducted various master classes and music and dance residencies throughout africa, europe, usa & australia. he is sponsored by guinea’s ministry of youth and culture as an official art and cultural ambassador. moustapha currently resides in chicago, where he is artistic director of drum and dance ensemble le bagatae and is also choreographer for legends of west africa.