Souleymane Compo was born in the Boké region of Guinea
Conakry, West Africa. He was born into the musical tradition – his mother
performed African ballet throughout the region with the local troupe, and
always brought her son to the show.
Aged 20, Souleymane travelled to The Gambia. There he continued his training
in the traditional arts with Guinean masters, in the famous Fatala Drum and
Dance School. Soon afterwards, he began teaching African drumming and dance
to students from all over the world. By 2003, the bright young talent, Souleymane,
had become director of the well-established Fatala ballet troupe, co-ordinating
the musical arrangements with his choreography.
The long journey from Boké continues – in 2004, Souleymane moved
to London, England. Since then, he has been teaching
both drum and dance across the UK, and performing with his band - Tamala.
At every performance and workshop, his energy and enthusiasm are warmly received
by old and young alike.
Souleymane now takes groups back to Guinea Conakry and Gambia
for drumming holidays, and
to experience African life.
