about
DIAJ
(Drummers in a Jam)
Ma
Boukaka is from Republic of Congo in Central Africa and
grew up between the village Ngolibu and the capital city, Brazzaville.
He learned to drum by tapping out rhythms in the jungle with his friends.
At 14 he went to work as a cook in Brazzaville. Later he became a
"pisteur" -- guide, hunter, and cook for a French safari company in Northern
Congo and Gabon. On safari, he met Alan Baer, a young American who
offered to bring him to the United States. Ma Boukaka accepted and
came to the Bay Area in 1959. After the arrival of fellow Congolese
in California, Ma Boukaka worked with them for years to produce many shows
of Congolese culture through dance, drum, and song. Now, on his own
and with others, he continues to create songs and musical arrangements
evolving from his traditional Bantu roots. He has taught drumming
for decades and continues to initiate beginners into African rhythms and
inspire drummers at all levels. He performs with his band, Bole Bantu
("It Takes Two") and has released an album by the same name. He also
performs and records with DIAJ
(Drummers in a Jam), including the original "Sweet California"
ballet, "The World Is You,"
and his performance on DIAJ
CD, Pangaea: Old World New Visions. (lead
vocals, conga, ngoma, harmonica, keesansi (kalimba), clave, slit drum).
Ocean's
Edge - Spirit's Journey DVD
(Home Page)
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Copyright
© 2004 by Robert Bornn and Laura Worth. All rights reserved.
Images
by Robert Bornn.
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