Drissa Kone is one of the most respected and acknowledged Djembe player of today, in his home country Mali and abroad. He started to play percussion very early in his home village Kuruba. At the age of 13 he went to Bamako, where he studied with legendary percussionist Yamadou Dumbia. In the 1980ies he toured with many Dance Companies through Mali. 1991 he came to Europe and played for many years for the Group Sanza.
Other engagements took him to Germany, Spain, France and Switzerland. In 2006 he lead a two week workshop for professional musicians at the Codarts University of Professional Arts Education / Rotterdam. He is a regular teacher at the beatfactory in Vienna.
In Drissa’s hands the Djembe becomes a melodic instrument, which is well appreciated by dancers. He is spreading a crackling intensity over the dance space as soon as he takes over the solo parts at a celebration.