Music begins long before the first note is played—it starts with the hands of the maker. Explore instrument builds with tutorials of instruments gathered from our travels.
Maximino Duquenesne Martinez — legendary Cuban rumba singer, percussionist, and teacher whose deep spirit anchors traditional Cuban and Afro‑Cuban music. His passionate dedication inspiring generations of musicians and students. We’re so grateful for his wisdom and generosity. Thank you, Rumba All Star and Miguelito León! For lessons contact Rumba All Star.
The last 5 are provided so viewers can play along to Blo Mallon Kouyate’s Album “Bariboreya”
The concept of the Bolon Batu tutorials was inspired during the recording of Blo Mallon Kouyate's album "Bariboreya." The album features traditional Guinean instruments and was recorded in Conakry, Guinea. Youssouf Conde played the Bolon Batu on the album and held the bass on all the songs. There are 10 videos on this tutorial playlist. The first 5 are some of the rhythms played on the Bolon Batu: Yangkadi, Yole, Mane, Saure and Rumba Yole. The last 5 are provided so viewers can play along to Blo Mallon Kouyate's album "Bariboreya." While producing the album I was inspired and began learning the Bolon Batu. Contact Youssouf for lessons on WhatsApp at +224 625 14 97 17.
We lived in Puerto Rico for approximately three years, organizing public-sector workers across the island. The bomba and plena were always present in our work: on picket lines and breaks during our days off. The creation of this drum is born from those three years of struggle and fellowship; it is dedicated to our family and friends in Puerto Rico.
The rhythm played on this tutorial are the same rhythms played on the Kutiro album on Bandcamp.
The Kutiro (also called seruba) is a single‑headed hand drum carved from a hollowed log with animal hide stretched over one end. It’s a communal instrument of the Mandingo people, marking ceremonies, work rhythms, storytelling, and gatherings. Its steady patterns accompany call‑and‑response songs, support dancers, and signal rites of passage, binding community and history with every resonant beat. We have been inspired by the Kutiro since our first visit to The Gambia in the 80’s. Thank you Jalikeba Sambala Jobarteh! For lessons contact him on WhatsApp +220 762 9152.
Whether you're a seasoned instrument maker or just curious, this playlist will guide you through every step of making a traditional bolon. If you get inspired to learn the bolon watch the playing a bolon tutorial series on our channel by Youssouf Kandé. This playlist is inspired by our friends--Youssouf Kandé in Conakry, Guinea, and Abubacar Kouyate in Los Angeles, California.