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Henri
is a master percussionist, musician, and musical director from
Cote d’Ivoire. Since his childhood Henri has dedicated
himself to the traditional drumming patterns of his country.
He is thought by many to be the finest exponent of traditional
djembe playing in Britain. The ability he has to sustain the
rhythmic pulse alongside the most complex solo patterns ensures
the result is a dynamic musical whole. Henri plays a wide range
of Ivorian instruments that include djembe, doundounba, balaton
and talking drum.
Henri comes from the Guru community of West Central Cote d’Ivoire.
He is of the Gouro tribe, and has come from a long family tradition
of musicians, dancers and weavers. He himself first started
drumming when he was 6 years old, with metal pans and performing
with the National Ballet of Ivory Coast by the time he was 18.
Henri has lived in England since 1992.
Whilst in Central Cote d’Ivoire, Henri worked with a long
list of companies and musicians, including the National Ballet
of Ivory Coast, performing nationally and internationally as
a dancer and musician, The Ballet Girivoire with director Marie-Rose
Giro, Vieu Conde, Company Dakati, and with Kuruma Mousa amongst
others.
In Britain Henri has performed with artists such as Peter Batajoe
(at the Place in Euston), The Master Drummers of Africa (at
various venues including the Royal Festival Hall), Batanai Marimba,
the Zuruya Theatre company, Alafia, Ayoroko Theatre Company,
“Peppersoup”, and Azido where he introduced Ivory
Coast rhythms and dances of Zouli, Tematai and Zagrobi amonsgt
others. He has also performed in variety of well-known venues
such as the Lyric Theatre, and the Eurico Theatre amongst others.
Henri’s company “Kaago” was set up in 1993,
with fellow Ivory Coast dancers Gaspard
Zamble and Rose Zan Lou. Kaago,
a guru word means, “Let’s go”. The group consists
of a troupe of equally experienced
dancers, performers and |
photo:
© Fred
Hines
Gaspard
Zamble and Rose Zan Lou. Kaago,
a guru word means, “Let’s go”. The group consists
of a troupe of equally experienced
dancers, performers and
musicians
from Ivory Coast and West Africa, creating an intense vehicle
for African drumming and dancing. Performances are rich and
varied. They incorporate singing, mime theatre and a rare opportunity
to see authentic village mask dances presented by artists familiar
with its steps and aware of their significance since childhood.
Strength and grace characterise the work these artists do together,
producing and excitement and joy bordering on ecstasy. Henri's
CD entitled Kaago (2005) features some guest musicians
and rhythms
from Congo, South Africa and Ivory Coast.
Kaago have been performing at festivals, theatres, private celebrations
as well as run workshops in schools since 1993, in London and
all over Britain, so have a wealth of experience of working
with adults and children.
Henri also runs drumming classes and workshops nationally, and
over the last 15 years regular drumming classes in south, west
and central London.
Henri sees drumming and dance as healing, a way of creating
enjoyment, lifting spirits and spreading happiness and joy.
Music is the love of his life. |
Henri
Gao Bi