Abdoulaye Diakite was born on December 5, 1950 in Tambacounda, Senegal, West Africa. The son of farmers, Abdoulaye was introduced to music at the age of five when he made some drums out of coffee cans. A few years later he decided that he wanted to become a musician and an artist. At twelve, Abdoulaye met Sunkaru Jara and Dugu Fana, master drummers whom he studied with as an apprentice until 1968 when he attained the status of master drummer. In 1968 Abdoulaye formed his own dance company called Ballet Unity which represented his village (Tambacounda) throughout West Africa. The following year Abdoulaye was chosen by the National Dance Company of Senegal where he spent the next 18 years as lead drummer and choreographer. He performed with the National Dance Company from 1969 to 1986 in Russia, Germany, Switzerland, Japan, Cuba,the United States and other countries around the world. In addition to his tremendous musical contribution, Abdoulaye designed original costumes for the dance company and drum ensemble. Among his skills, he is also an accomplished craftsman, working with leather, metal, and wood. He currently lives in Oakland, California teaching drum techniques and African Arts in the Northern California area. He has formed CEEDO, a professional dance company in the Oakland Bay area, and produces popular Winter Conferences and Summer Camps dedicated to traditional West African dancing, drumming and folklore.
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