KanKouran 42nd Annual Conference and Concert 2025 | Washington Marriott Capitol Hill (Conference Classes ONLY)
Arts
KanKouran’s 42nd Annual Conference and Concert!
COMING TOGETHER AS ONE
(Gnakefou Gnakekelinti
)
August
29–31, 2025 | Washington, D.C. | Labor Day Weekend
Join
KanKouran West African Dance Company
for a powerful weekend of dance, drum, and cultural connection. This year’s celebration begins with the
42nd Annual National African Dance and Drum Conference
, hosted at the
Washington Marriott Capitol Hill
, followed by our major
concert performance
on
Saturday, August 30 at 8 PM
at
Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium
.
Experience three days of
Master Classes
led by
world-renowned Master Artists
from
Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Liberia, and the Congo
—offering traditional instruction passed down through generations. Open to all levels, the conference is a dynamic gathering of dancers, drummers, and cultural enthusiasts from around the globe.
LIVE CONCERT EVENT:
This year’s
Concert
production,
COMING TOGETHER AS ONE
(Gnakefou Gnakekelinti
)
, celebrates the music and dance of Mali, Senegal, and Guinea through the artistic traditions that KanKouran preserves.
KanKouran’s Executive Artistic Director, Assane Konte
, will present an elaborate showcase of choreography that demonstrates a riveting and highly energized array of traditional dances that celebrate the unifying cultures of West Africa. The concert production will feature KanKouran’s Senior, Junior, and Children’s Companies, participants from the Adult Community Dance Class, and guest artists.
***LOCATIONS***
CONCERT VENUE
Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium
2455 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20059
CONFERENCE VENUE & HOST HOTEL
Washington Marriott Capitol Hill
175 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
$199/night (Single/Double Rooms)
**
CUT-OFF DATE FOR RESERVATION BLOCK: AUGUST 8 **
Reservations Link:
https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1741103853024&key=GRP&guestreslink2=true&app=resvlink
All classes and Vendor markets are available at the conference venue.
2025 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE (PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
WORKSHOPS (ONE FEE AT THE DOOR): $25.00 PER CLASS
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29
Dance: Idy Ciss (Djembe) 12:30pm-2:00pm
Dance: Djeneba Sako (Djembe) 2:15pm-3:45pm
Dance: Sue Ann Forde (Djembe) 4:00pm-5:30pm
Dance: Babacar N’Diaye (Sabar) 5:45pm-7:15pm
Dance: Youssouf Koumbassa (Djembe) 7:30pm-9:00pm
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
Dance: Mabiba Baegne (Congolese) 9:00am-10:30am
Dance: Marie Basse-Wiles (Djembe) 10:45am-12:15pm
Drum: Brehim “Brigo” Gueye (Sabar) 12:00pm-1:00pm
Dance: Naomi & Ibrahima Diouf (Liberian) 12:30pm-2:00pm
Drum: Fode Bangoura (Djembe) 1:00pm-2:00pm
Dance: Oumou Faye (Djembe) 2:15pm-3:45pm
Dance: Mouminatou Camara (Djembe) 4:00pm-5:30pm
42ND Annual Concert: COMING TOGETHER AS ONE
8pm Cramton Auditorium - Howard University
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31
Dance: Youssouf Koumbassa (Djembe) 9:00am-10:30am
Dance: Tacko Sissoko (Djembe) 10:45am-12:15pm
Dance: Djeneba Sako (Djembe) 12:30pm-2:00pm
Drum: Medoune Gueye (Kutiro) 1:00pm-2:00pm
Drum: Papa Assane M’Baye (Djembe) 2:00pm-3:00pm
Dance: Idy Ciss (Sabar/Serer) 2:15pm-3:45pm
Drum: Fode Camara (Djembe) 3:00pm-4:00pm
Dance: Marie Basse-Wiles (Kutiro) 4:00pm-5:30pm
Dance: Mouminatou Camara (Djembe) 5:45pm-7:15pm
Dance: Mariama Basse (Sabar) 7:30pm-9:00pm
Workshop Instructors & Guest Artists:
This year’s conference welcomes an extraordinary lineup of Master Artists and guest instructors, including: Mabiba Baegne, Marie Basse-Wiles, Mariama Basse, Fode Bangoura, Fode Camara, Mouminatou Camara, Idy Ciss, Abdoulaye Diop, Ibrahima Diouf, Madiou Diouf, Naomi Diouf, Elhadji Mbor Faye, Alioune Faye, Oumou Faye, Medoune Yacine Gueye, Brehim “Brigo” Gueye, Aly Guisse, Youssouf Koumbassa, Moustapha M’Baye, Papa Assane M’Baye, Cheikh N’Dong, Babacar N’Diaye, Djeneba Sako, Tacko Sissoko, Magatte Sow, and Aboubacar Soumah—as well as KanKouran's Artistic Director, Sue Ann Forde.
Thank you for your continued support! We look forward to celebrating!
✨
What to Expect:
Over 20 Master Classes led by internationally recognized Master Teachers
A welcoming environment for all levels: from beginners to professionals
Cultural immersion through dance, drum, and dialogue
Vibrant vendor market featuring African clothing, instruments, art, and more
Networking and fellowship with artists, educators, and cultural practitioners
INTERESTED IN VENDING?
Vending
space is available. Tables are $150 per day. If you sign up to vend all three days, the cost is $400. No food or drinks permitted. For more information and to register, please contact
conferencevending@
kankouran.org
Information Source: KanKouran West African Dance Company | eventbrite