Dounia
Djembe
West African Arts with Manimou Camara
offers a unique opportunity to receive an insider's look at the West African nation of Guinea. With our expert guides, Manimou Camara, Fode Sylla and Oumar Keita, students are encouraged to experience all aspects of Guinean life-from eating traditional foods to taking part in meaningful and vibrant ceremonies. It is our wish that by simply living and sharing amoungst Guinean people, guests of Dounia Djembe will experience the genuine compassion and creative energy that is innate to this West African society. We are devoted to ensuring our guests the trip of a lifetime.
Experience Africa
Your 'sabu' will be Manimou Camara, Fode Sylla and Oumar Keita. They have been friends since adolescence and work well as a team. They are sensitive, intelligent and compassionate in working with people from various cultural backgrounds to ensure that each person has the best possible experience in their home country.
 Dance Classeswill be held 5 days a week, two classes per day. There will also be many opportunities to use the movements learned at local festivities and celebrations. Classes will be taught by Manimou, Fode, Oumar and friends. The dance classes will focus on posture, alignment, smiles (!) and the sequence of the movements in correlation to Guinea's polyrhythmic music. By just watching the teachers everyone will be inspired to take their dance and their drumming to the next level. |  Drum Classeswill be held 5 days a week, one class per day. Drummers may also play for dance classes and at local fetes. The classes will be taught by Manimou Camara and other professional drum instructors. If we have a large number of drummers enroll we will adjust the drum class schedule.The drum classes will be taught at a vigourous speed. If dancers are interested in dabbling in drumming small semi-privates can be set up (for additional cost). |  Manimou's Home in Conakrywill be comfortable and secure group accomodations. Rooms will have a minimum of double occupancy and you may need to share a double bed with another participant. During the inland loop, you may be housed in a home-stay, tent, or a hotel. We recommend bringing a camping pad and a pop-up mosquito net/mosquito tent. |
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 Guinean Foodis amazing and our 3 satisfing meals a day menu will include many dishes specific to the native diet. Rice with peanut sauce, Akeikei (pounded cassava root) with fresh cucumbers and tomatos, mouth watering fish and seafood, chicken, boiled eggs, salad, yougurt, rice pudding, african honey, african barbeque, mountains of fresh fruit and the essential french baguette.Every effort will be made to accomodate students with special dietary needs. |  Private Lessonsare available upon request and for additional cost. ($10 to $15 per hour) Lessons in several instruments including, gongoma, balafon, kiringni, bolon, kora, flute and voice. Lessons will also be available for Djembe and Dundun construction. If you are interested in circus arts in Guinea, apprenticeships and lessons can be arranged with members of Circus Baobab, a phenomenal, original circus troup. Lessons in Susu and french will also be available. |  Our TeamWe work in partenership with Ballet Saamato of G'bessia. This ensures that you will receive the best instruction possible for artists who have a long history of providing instruction to artistic tourists. |