Memoirs of an African Musician

The master djembefola-in his own words. Discover the magic and intrigue of West Africa in the long-awaited English version of Famoudou Konate's book.

Memoirs of an African Musician tells the remarkable life story of Famoudou Konate, a master of the djembe from Guinea, West Africa. Rooted in the traditions of his Malinke homeland, where music and rhythm are woven into the fabric of life, Konate takes the reader on a journey deep into African traditions, across continents during a groundbreaking international career, and back again to where it started, to the heart of a culture that has endured through centuries of trials and hardships.

Along the way, Konate unveils the mysteries of the djembe and its accompanying instruments, revealing rare insights into rhythms, techniques, and the cultural meanings behind the music. Beyond the drum, he offers a portrait of life in Malinke society-its traditions, struggles, and values-while reflecting on his experiences of bridging worlds, from remote Guinean villages to stages around the globe. His story is a testament to resilience, cultural pride, and the universal language of music, inviting readers to experience the rhythms of West Africa in an entirely new way.

Introduction by Professor Thomas Ott.

Translated by Dave Kobrenski, with cultural and historical footnotes.