Namory Keita

Namory Keita is a master drummer - a djembefola - born in the village of Sangbaralla, Guinea in West Africa. He was the lead drummer for his village before moving to the US in 2010. He now makes his home in Portland, ME, but continues to travel around the world to teach and perform and returns to visit Guinea annually. Locally, he has taught weekly drum class at the Dance Hall in Kittery since 2012.

Namory’s talk delves into his journey from the small Guinean village of Sangbaralla to life in New England. Through the lens of dual identity and cultural shifts, Namory shares how his perspective has enabled him to navigate challenges, embrace opportunities, and find a balance between his Guinean roots and his American experience.