M'Bemba Bangoura - Musical Director has traveled throughout the world as a performer and teacher of African drum and dance and is revered worldwide for his high level of mastery. As a native of Guinea, West Africa, M'Bemba began drumming at a very young age. By the age of 21, he was acclaimed as a master drummer and was invited to play for Ballet Djoliba, the most respected ballet company in Guinea at that time. Since moving to the US in 1992, M'Bemba has been an integral part of most major drum and dance conferences nationwide. He has taught hundreds of students, many of who are now teachers themselves. In addition, he has personally created choreography and developed repertoire for dozens of dance companies in New York City and abroad. M'Bemba is one of the foremost ambassadors for Guinean drum and dance.

Michael Markus - Founder and Artistic Director, Magbana Drum and Dance NYC As a musician, artistic director, educator and performer, Michael Markus has spent over twenty years playing hand drums. As a student of movement, he has immersed himself in the dances of West Africa and studied Chinese martial arts. Along with a BFA in percussion, he mentored with accomplished master indigenous artists and travels yearly to Guinea. In addition to administrating, directing and performing with Magbana Drum and Dance NYC, Michael is a visionary and charismatic teacher of drum and dance workshops throughout the United States and Canada. In 2004, Michael co-produced and released a CD of his group, Magbana, as well as a series of 11 educational percussion CDs of rhythms from Guinea. As a world music clinician, he has presented at versatile venues ranging from college music and dance departments to inner city community centers. He has regularly developed and conducted workshops for such nationally recognized events as The Percussive Arts Society International Conventions and The Woodwind and the Brasswind Percussion Clinics. He has also created commissioned pieces, composing and directing choreography for such groups as Ethos Percussion, which debuted his work at the Symphony Space in New York City. Michael is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of cultural arts and socioeconomic development in Guinea, West Africa, and along with Tom Kondas, founded Wula Drum and the production of authentically elegant and professional African drums.

A note from Michael Markus
"M’bemba Bangoura and I have been working together for over 18 years. I started studying with him in 1993 and first went to Guinea with him in 1995. We both believe the same things: that all can benefit from Music of Africa and the Diaspora, and that music knows no color.
Whether it is a trip to Africa, a birthday party, a school assembly, or a class, we have presented to every age group, every walk of life, and in almost every part of the USA and other countries as well! We are available to teach, perform, and entertain any size group, any age, anywhere! Please contact us us for more information."