Madame Friborg’s grade 8 French class had a special visit on Tuesday, November 19 from Malick Ngom, a Sabar drummer from Sénégal. Ngom is from a griot family in Sénégal and has been playing drums all his life, inheriting a centuries-long tradition of drumming and dance as central to daily life. He was a dynamic presenter who inspired the whole class. An associate of fourth grade parent Dan Cantor, Ngom discussed his cultural background, played the drums for the class, and even got students and faculty on their feet dancing. His specialty is in the use of the Sabar drum, but he also plays other drums such as Djembe, Djundjun, and he is a member of two bands, one international jazz and the other, Afro-Celtic. Ngom teaches locally at the Studio at 550 in Central Square., Cambridge.
Check out a short performance video from Ngom’s visit!
