Massamba, born a griot: (a storyteller, poet, or musician) in Senegal, West Africa, has performed and traveled all over the world. He is a master of the tama or talking drum from Senegal, West Africa, and the co-founder of The Senegal-America Project with Tony Vacca. He has worked with Afro-pop superstar Baaba Maal and his Daande Lenol Orchestra since its inception more than 40 years ago. During that time, he has incorporated the fiery Wolof traditions of his homeland into a contemporary sound. His music reflects the ancient origins of his instrument and the cosmopolitan environment of Dakar, Senegal’s capital, where his work with Baaba Maal began.

As the lead tama drummer in Baaba’s band, Massamba has performed at many major venues around the globe. These include: The 2012 London Olympics, London’s Royal Festival Hall, Mandela Day at Radio City Music Hall, and The Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies. In addition to his work with Baaba Maal, Massamba has performed and/or recorded with Peter Gabriel and Afro-Celt Sound System of England, Ernest Ranglin and Luciano of Jamaica; Anita Tarika from Madagascar; and Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana, Tony Vacca, and James Brown.

In 2018, Massamba was invited to perform solos for The Black Panther sound track by composer Ludwig Göransson. In 2022, he performed for the Wakanda Forever sound track. Watch for a cameo appearance.

MASSAMBA’S STORY

• Instruments – The Tama Drum, and how it was originally used in African culture

• Griot – The West African griot is a troubadour, the counterpart of the medieval European minstrel. The griot knows everything that is going on. He is a living archive of the people's traditions. The virtuoso talents of the griots command universal admiration. This virtuosity is the culmination of long years of study and hard work under the tutelage of a teacher who is often a father or uncle.

• Knowledge — History/Overview of Senegalese Culture, religion and peoples

• Wakanda Forever! — His participation in the Disney movies

REFERRALS

“Our two collaborations with Massamba Diop were absolutely life-changing for all of us! His extraordinary talent, charisma, and high energy brought much joy to Charlottesville, at a time we really needed it. Massamba has the magical ability to connect with every audience member--from the most serious classical musician to the most recalcitrant teenager--in every setting. He is a music educator and humanitarian of the highest degree, and our collaborations were the highlights of my forty-year teaching career.”
— Laura Mulligan Thomas, President, Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association, Director Emerita, Charlottesville High School Orchestra, Conductor, Youth Orchestras of Central Virginia, (434) 981-6795, lauramulliganthomas.com