Tamala Band

Tamala is a six-piece band led by drumming master Ibs Sallah, with musicians from Gambia. They play traditional West African instruments rooted in the Griot tradition. Joining them on stage is Sellina from Namibia, an experienced African Tribal Dance performer with a deep grounding in the dance traditions of West and Southwest Africa.

Griots are the custodians of an orally transmitted culture, passed down through music and song. Their instruments include the kora - a West African bridge harp plucked with both hands - which traces its origins to the former Mandinka kingdom of Kaabu, a realm that stretched across present-day Gambia, southern Senegal and Mali until the 19th century. The kora is joined by the balafon, a water drum, the tama (talking drum), djembe and bass guitar.