I’m really happy to be able to teach and perform traditional, Guinean drum and dance… I am really here in United States to do this. Cause when I was 5 years old, in Guinea, I start seeing my brother playing this instrument (djembe) and I’m just, uh, happy to hear this instrument every time he play. So I’m really excited to be able to learn that from him to come here in United States to share that with people. I’m really happy. This is why I’m here in United States. In Guinea, this is what I do for my living, and I’m so happy to be here right now to do this for my students and audiences. And REALLY this is what I want to pass on. Because my brother he pass it on to me. And today, my brother, he’s not here with us, he passed away. So you see I’m passing it on. So this is my, my duty to do that.  Because when he passed it on to me he say, “You can pass it on to others wherever you go.” So thank you for giving me that opportunity to share that with you. Really. I’m really happy. Thank you so much!

 

God Bless!

 

Mohamed Diaby

(Adapted from a speach given April 30, 2015)