Add soul-stirring rhythm and cultural vibrancy to your next event with Super Mande Percussion. Our West African drumming performances light up any space from intimate gatherings to large-scale festivals or corporate events.
Led by master drummer and cultural ambassador Mady Keita from Mali, our ensembles perform with heart, precision, and energy. We offer:
- Stage shows with live drumming, dance and traditional instruments
- Roving performances that energise parades, festivals and public events
- Flexible options from solo drummers to 8-piece ensembles
- Authentic West African costumes and instruments
Whether you’re planning a cultural celebration, a corporate launch or a vibrant street parade, we’ll create a performance your audience will never forget.
‘In the Mande culture, the djembe drum is an instrument of celebration, heard at most celebrations of one’s life. I’m honoured to bring this tradition to Australia.’ Mady Keita.
Live African Drumming stage shows
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Book a full-stage performance with Super Mande Percussion and let your audience experience the richness of traditional West African music.
Our shows include:
- Powerful djembe drumming
- Soulful vocals and dance
- Kora (African harp) and guitar
- Traditional dress and cultural storytelling
From festivals and multicultural days to council events and concert venues, we’ll tailor the ensemble to suit your stage and audience.
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African drummers for roving and parade performances
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Need high-energy, mobile performers for your event? Our roving West African drumming acts are perfect for festivals, parades and outdoor events. With drummers and dancers moving through the crowd, we create an exciting and immersive experience that draws people in:
- Completely mobile performance
- Visually spectacular
- Culturally respectful
- Interactive to have your crowd enjoying every moment
From festivals and multicultural days to council events, pop-up events and open-air celebrations, we’ll tailor the roving performance to suit your space, crowd and vibe.
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Traditional African rhythms for modern celebrations
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Every rhythm, song and dance we perform has cultural meaning drawn from traditional West African ceremonies.
In Mande culture, the djembe drum is more than an instrument; it symbolises life and connection. It plays a key role in most significant celebrations:
- Weddings
- Baptisms
- Harvests
- Circumcisions
- Welcoming ceremonies
- Community gatherings and parties
Each rhythm represents a moment in life — passed down through generations and still echoing in today’s world. As Mady often says, the djembe is about bringing people together in friendship and unity.
Now based in Melbourne, Mady continues this tradition with Super Mande Percussion, performing across Australia at festivals, weddings, public events, bars, theatres and open-air venues. As one of Australia’s most respected West African drummers, Mady invites everyone to experience the music of the earth, where joy, movement and celebration come alive through rhythm.
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Meet the Super Mande Performers
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Mady Keita
Master drummer, cultural ambassador and craftsman, Mady brings the spirit of Mali to
every beat.Founder of Super Mande Percussion, he’s spent a lifetime honouring the rhythms and traditions of West Africa.
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Abli Laryea
A Ghanaian multi-instrumentalist and singer, Abli brings explosive energy and masterful rhythm to every performance.
From djembe to palogo, his grooves get the whole room moving.
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Amadou Kalissa
Hailing from Guinea, Amadou is a griot musician and living library of Mande music. Whether he's singing, drumming or plucking the kora, his performances blend tradition, storytelling and serious groove. From dounouns to ngoni, if it makes music, Amadou brings it to life.
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Foday Camara
From the heart of Senegal, Foday is a powerhouse of rhythm, melody and movement. A singer, dancer and multi-instrumentalist, he’s a vibrant keeper of Mande traditions, lighting up every stage with spirit and soul.
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Kofi Nortey
Straight from Ghana, master dancer Kofi lights up the stage with energy, joy and unstoppable rhythm.
With every move, he brings the vibrant dance traditions of West Africa to life. Get ready to feel the beat in your feet!
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Amadou Suso
A master of the kora from The Gambia, Amadou carries the soul of the griot tradition in every string.
Born into a long line of musical storytellers, his melodies share centuries of Mande history - with a sound that’s pure magic.
What clients say about our African drumming gigs
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"A massive thank you and congratulations for your contribution in making AMCF an electrifying, dynamic and memorable celebration... You brought the stage and event alive... Your dedication and creativity added a unique flavour to the festival, creating an atmosphere of joy and unity that resonated with everyone in attendance... It has been a pleasure working with you"
African Music and Cultural Festival (AMCF) team
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"I just saw this African drumming band at Moomba.
They were SO GOOD. I LOVE African drumming and dancing. There's something wild and free about it.
I couldn't help but stop and dance to their music. I think I will follow them at their gigs.
Maybe it's good for me to dance to wild drumming once in a while.
I've had a djembe drum for years."
Music lover - Moomba Festival
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"I've had the pleasure of booking Mady & Super Mande Percussion for various events.
He delivers a strong, energetic performance that never fails to get a crowd going.
Great on stage with vocals or roving performance."
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) events team
Looking for something else?
Not planning a gig right now? No worries! We’ve got rhythm-filled experiences for every moment. Whether you want to join a drumming class, run a team-building session or buy your own djembe, here’s where to head next.
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African drumming workshops
Explore workshopsFrom schools and workplaces to community groups, our African drumming workshops are fun, engaging and made for connection.
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African drumming classes
Join a classJoin weekly classes at our Melbourne studio – no experience needed! Learn authentic African rhythms with the best teachers in the business.
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Shop African drums & instruments
Visit the shopLooking for your own djembe? Browse our online store for handcrafted African drums and percussion made by Mady.
Let’s bring West African drumming to your next gig or event
Whether you’re after a roving act, whole stage show or an intimate solo, duo or trio performance, we’d love to create a powerful and lasting impression at your event. Reach out to discuss your event, and we’ll help craft the perfect lineup and setlist to suit.