Mandjou Mara Djembefola - Kikeh Mato Afro-Pop Mandjou Mara brings his experience and expertise as a griot (praise singer) and djembefola (master drummer) to contemporary music with his Afro-pop group Kikeh Mato. Noting the power of the moon to provide solace, inspiration, and hope, the traditional role of the griot, Mandjou named his group Kikeh Mato meaning "look at the moon." Continuing his role as a griot through preforming his original music, Mandjou offers the world comfort, joy, and encouragement. Kikeh Mato's funky African grooves will make you dance all night long.Photo Credit: Jeff Alexander video- La Guinea

WONGAI AFRICA, LLC

"There are no boundaries in the language of music." -Mandjou Mara

Madison, WI
ph: 608 609 2014
alt: 608 216 5332
mandjoujembefolas@yahoo.fr

Kikeh Mato Afro-Pop

Mandjou Mara brings his experience and expertise as a griot (praise singer) and djembefola (master drummer) to contemporary music with his Afro-pop group Kikeh Mato. Noting the power of the moon to provide solace, inspiration, and hope, the traditional role of the griot, Mandjou named his group Kikeh Mato meaning "look at the moon." Continuing his role as a griot through preforming his original music, Mandjou offers the world comfort, joy, and encouragement. Kikeh Mato's funky African grooves will make you dance all night long.

Photo Credit: Jeff Alexander

video- La Guinea

Kikeh Mato Afro-Pop

Listen to our music!

Rkeh Rkeh
Music is used to to educate and communicate in Guinea. Rkeh Rkeh helps people understand elephantitis. From the album Toumbousouri.
Tadidi
Tadidi is a mischievous little boy. Boys need to listen to their elders and they will grow up to be good men. From the album Toumbousouri.
Feh Tohmou Coloh Mah
We don’t know what tomorrow will bring. From the album Kikeh Mato.
Singue Nue Menifan
First time is good, second time is not good. From the album Kikeh Mato.

Musician Biographies

Peter Baggenstoss was born in northern Minnesota where he began playing piano at the age of five. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he received a bachelor's degree in Piano Performance. Currently he performs and teaches music of varying genres.

Graham Thorbrogger is a percussionist & electrical engineer from Madison, WI. He is a member of Limanya Drum & Dance Company, Kikeh Mato Afro-Pop, & Son del Atlantico. Graham has had the great pleasure of studying a variety of music under many wonderful teachers, including: Prof. Dane Richeson, Mr. Mandjou Mara, Dr. Neil Sisauyhoat, Prof. Nani Agbeli, Dr. Yorel Lashley & Mr. Paddy Cassidy.

Mandjou Mara is a talented singer, songwriter, composer, and drummer from Guinea, West Africa. Read more about him.

Maya Kadakia has studied Guinean dance and music for over 20 years. She heats up Kikeh Mato shows with her fiery dancing and singing. Read more about her.

Kevin Knapp is our newest addition to Kikeh Mato. He is a talented musician and plays many musical genres.

Matt Manske is an exemplary guitarist in addition to developing software and doing graphic design. He is the talent behind both our CD covers!

Tim Gruber started playing percussion as a child. The interesting rhythms of West African drumming attracted Tim to playing hand drums. He studied drumming in Ghana and in the U.S., with teachers including Stephan Collins, Habib Iddrisu, Emmanual Eku, and Edi Gbordzi. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and a Master's Degree in Music Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied percussion with James Latimer and jazz with Richard Davis. He has played Afro-pop music with Shekere and Kweku Ananse and the Sweet Vibrations. In addition to playing with Kikeh Mato, Tim currently plays with Atimevu Drum and Dance Ensemble, the Madison Marimba Quartet, and Tani Diakite.