Brazil-based Guinean artist Fanta Konatê recently presented her show” Donabá” at Malungo Festival, a showcase for black Brazilian music
Fanta Konatê is a singer, dancer, composer and choreographer. She is the daughter of master percussionist Famoudou Konatê. Fanta specializes in traditional and contemporary West African dances. She has worked with several Conakry Ballets and has mastered the culture of the Malinkese villages in the Hamaná region since she was born.
In “Donabá”, she presents a repertoire of her own compositions and traditional music from her native village in Guinea Conakry and a tribute to the great star Miriam Makeba who lived in Guinea during the times of exile from Apartheid.
Donabá means “The Great Ballerina” in Malinkê, where there is a rhythm that pays homage to the virtuous dancers of the Mandé culture, heir of the Mali Empire (13th century), one of the themes of this show.
Fanta Konatê has two recordings available in Brazil: Fanta Konatê and Djubafedea.
Author: World Music Central News Room
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