KanKouran 42nd Annual Conference and Concert 2025

COMING TOGETHER AS ONE (Gnakefou Gnakekelinti)

August 29–31, 2025 | Washington, D.C. | Labor Day Weekend

Join KanKouran West African Dance Company for a powerful weekend of dance, drum, and cultural connection. This year’s celebration begins with the 42nd Annual National African Dance and Drum Conference, hosted at the Washington Marriott Capitol Hill, followed by our major concert performance on Saturday, August 30 at 8 PM at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium.

Experience three days of Master Classes led by world-renowned Master Artists from Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Liberia, and the Congo—offering traditional instruction passed down through generations. Open to all levels, the conference is a dynamic gathering of dancers, drummers, and cultural enthusiasts from around the globe.

This year’s Concert production, COMING TOGETHER AS ONE (Gnakefou Gnakekelinti), celebrates the music and dance of Mali, Senegal, and Guinea through the artistic traditions that KanKouran preserves.

KanKouran’s Executive Artistic Director, Assane Konte, will present an elaborate showcase of choreography that demonstrates a riveting and highly energized array of traditional dances that celebrate the unifying cultures of West Africa. The concert production will feature KanKouran’s Senior, Junior, and Children’s Companies, participants from the Adult Community Dance Class, and guest artists.

***LOCATIONS***

CONCERT VENUE

Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium

2455 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20059

CONFERENCE VENUE & HOST HOTEL

Washington Marriott Capitol Hill

175 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

$199/night (Single/Double Rooms)

**CUT-OFF DATE FOR RESERVATION BLOCK: AUGUST 8 **

Reservations Link: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1741103853024&key=GRP&guestreslink2=true&app=resvlink

All classes and Vendor markets are available at the conference venue.

2025 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE (PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

WORKSHOPS (ONE FEE AT THE DOOR): $25.00

FRIDAY, AUGUST 29

Dance: Idy Ciss (Djembe) 12:30pm-2:00pm

Dance: Djeneba Sako (Djembe) 2:15pm-3:45pm

Dance: Sue Ann Forde (Djembe) 4:00pm-5:30pm

Dance: Babacar N’Diaye (Sabar) 5:45pm-7:15pm

Dance: Youssouf Koumbassa (Djembe) 7:30pm-9:00pm

SATURDAY, AUGUST 30

Dance: Mabiba Baegne (Congolese) 9:00am-10:30am

Dance: Marie Basse-Wiles (Djembe) 10:45am-12:15pm

Drum: Brehim “Brigo” Gueye (Sabar) 12:00pm-1:00pm

Dance: Naomi & Ibrahima Diouf (Liberian) 12:30pm-2:00pm

Drum: Fode Bangoura (Djembe) 1:00pm-2:00pm

Dance: Oumou Faye (Djembe) 2:15pm-3:45pm

Dance: Mouminatou Camara (Djembe) 4:00pm-5:30pm

42ND Annual Concert: COMING TOGETHER AS ONE

8pm Cramton Auditorium - Howard University

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31

Dance: Youssouf Koumbassa (Djembe) 9:00am-10:30am

Dance: Tacko Sissoko (Djembe) 10:45am-12:15pm

Dance: Djeneba Sako (Djembe) 12:30pm-2:00pm

Drum: Medoune Gueye (Kutiro) 1:00pm-2:00pm

Drum: Papa Assane M’Baye (Djembe) 2:00pm-3:00pm

Dance: Idy Ciss (Sabar/Serer) 2:15pm-3:45pm

Drum: Fode Camara (Djembe) 3:00pm-4:00pm

Dance: Marie Basse-Wiles (Kutiro) 4:00pm-5:30pm

Dance: Mouminatou Camara (Djembe) 5:45pm-7:15pm

Dance: Mariama Basse (Sabar) 7:30pm-9:00pm

Workshop Instructors & Guest Artists:This year’s conference welcomes an extraordinary lineup of Master Artists and guest instructors, including: Abdoulaye Diop, Aboubacar Soumah, Alioune Faye, Aly Guisse, Babacar N’Diaye, Balla Sy, Brehim “Brigo” Gueye, Cheikh N’Dong, Djeneba Sako, Elhadji Mbor Faye, Fode Bangoura, Fode Camara, Idy Ciss, Ibrahima Diouf, Magatte Sow, Mabiba Baegne, Madiou Diouf, Marie Basse-Wiles, Mariama Basse, Medoune Yacine Gueye, Mouminatou Camara, Moustapha M’Baye, Naomi Diouf, Oumou Faye, Papa Assane M’Baye, Sue Ann Forde, Tacko Sissoko, Youssouf Koumbassa

Thank you for your continued support! We look forward to celebrating!

✨ What to Expect:

• Over 20 Master Classes led by internationally recognized Master Teachers
• A welcoming environment for all levels: from beginners to professionals
• Cultural immersion through dance, drum, and dialogue
• Vibrant vendor market featuring African clothing, instruments, art, and more
• Networking and fellowship with artists, educators, and cultural practitioners

Info: This year’s Concert production, COMING TOGETHER AS ONE (GNAKEFOU GNAKEKELINTI), celebrates the music and dance of Mali, Senegal, and Guinea through the artistic traditions that KanKouran preserves. KanKouran’s Executive Artistic Director, Assane Konte, will present an elaborate showcase of choreography that demonstrates a riveting and highly energized array of traditional dances that celebrate the unifying cultures of West Africa. The concert production will feature KanKouran’s Senior, Junior, and Children’s Companies, participants from the Adult Community Dance Class, and guest artists.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Washington Marriott Capitol Hill (Conference Classes ONLY), 175 L Street Northeast, Washington, United States