"Kan" means "voice of" in the Malinke language of West Africa’s ancient Manding Empire. Manding Kan is passionate and committed to honour and preserve, as well as develop and apply the magical tradition of African Percussion. This translates into powerful, engaging performances, which showcase the richness of African music-culture and its flexibility to adapt to the South African social dynamics of today. The Cape Town-based African percussion ensemble, Manding Kan, gives an energetic, uplifting and truly authentic voice to the rich traditions of Africa.
The group is lead by Malian djembe prodigy Ladji Aboubacar Kante, who comes from a long line of musicians and has a track record of playing with world music giants such as Salif Keita, Rokia Traore and Toumani Diabate. Rooted in tradition, the group offers modern interpretations and original compositions. The group’s repertoire also includes a well-crafted combination of guitar, balafon (xylophone), vocals, and dance, adding dynamism and originality to suit a variety of performance atmospheres. A Pan-African celebration of sound, movement and heart... Manding Kan embodies the spirit, diversity and potential of today’s South Africa !