Teye Sa Thiosanne, “Keepers of the Tradition”, African Drum and Dance Company is a San Diego based non-profit organization currently providing performances and programs in African music and dance.  The company has been in existence since 1988 and has been consistent in providing the community with cultural expression.  

 

Before the company’s inception, the founder and co-director were carefully trained by many impressive artists of the African tradition.  Among them: Naomi Geddo and Nimely Napla of Liberia, Marie Basse, Assane Konte and Malang Bayo of Senegal, Ibrahim Camara and Moustapha Bangoura of Guinea and Ya Ya Diallo and Moussa Traore of Mali.  

 

Teye Sa Thiosanne has a very beautiful story to tell through the rhythm and fire of their ballets.  The effectiveness cuts through all cultural barriers.  Their fine blend of talent and energy to say the least is very entertaining to audiences young and old.

 

To date the company has done numerous presentations, sponsored summer series workshops, implemented children’s classes, sponsored artists in residence, and participated in numerous collaborations with other community organizations in cultural programming.  The company has sponsored their own fund-raising dinner party and presented two (2) full-scale concert productions.  The last production was to celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary.

 

These accomplishments make it evident that the artists are very proud to engage in an artistic expression which represents their African heritage and they continuously strive to present the best in African arts for those who come to share in the tradition