The Bambara Drum & Dance Ensemble

The Bambara Drum & Dance Ensemble was founded to educate and preserve the black aesthetic through music and dance., from its beginning in Africa to the present day and beyond. In 1993, the company’s founder Joseph Barnes realized the need to bring discipline and a sense of pride to African-American male youth while developing and nurturing their musical talents using different African cultures as the vehicle. The year 2002 was a turning point for the group as the ensemble decided to include dancers as well as drummers. Jewel Love was brought in as Artistic Director, Noelani Love as Assistant to the Artistic Director and Adewole Love, an original member of the Bambara Drumming Society, as Musical Director to complete the leadership and the group became The Bambara Drum & Dance Ensemble. The group has recorded the CD, The Connection, which features thirteen rhythms from parts of West Africa. The group has performed throughout the tristate area.