The Djembe, Diaspora & the Sound of West Africa | Djembe Virtuoso & Bandleader Yahael Camara Onono

Master djembe player and composer, Yahael Camara Onono, discusses his musical journey and his mission to elevate West African percussion. Growing up in London, the djembe served as an umbilical cord to his Manding heritage, allowing him to blend traditional sounds with contemporary influences like grime and hip-hop. He founded the Balimaya Project in 2019 to challenge the pigeonholing of African music and to demonstrate that percussion can serve as a complex, leading melodic force rather than just an add-on. His work delves into personal and vulnerable themes, such as grieving for his late son through music, while also celebrating innovative collaborations with virtuosos like Egyptian oud player Abakary Kadry. For Onono, the djembe is a glue that brings people together, serving as a powerful symbol of identity and black pride.

00:00 Introduction

02:18 The Physical and Symbolic Essence of the Djembe

04:36 An Umbilical Cord to Heritage

07:22 Growing Up in the London Soundscape

10:52 Bridging Traditional Roots and Global Fusion

14:00 Reclaiming the Big Band Spirit

17:32 The Intricate Language of Percussion

20:00 Challenging the Pigeonholing of Art

23:55 Cultivating a New Mentality

28:13 Bridging Community and Education through Residence

33:28 Processing Grief and Vulnerability in the Studio

38:25 Full Circle: Intentional Creation in the UAE

47:20 The First Meeting: Unrehearsed Dialogue

52:31 Tracing Ancient Links Across Borders

Yahael Camara Onono is a percussionist, composer, musical director, educator, and cultural producer whose work bridges traditional West African music, diasporic legacies, and contemporary global expression. As the founder and bandleader of the award-winning Balimaya Project, Yahael has been celebrated internationally for redefining diasporic African music in the UK and beyond. The ensemble fuses Mandé musical heritage with London's vibrant contemporary jazz, hip-hop, and orchestral scenes, creating a sound that is both deeply rooted and boldly innovative. He has collaborated with leading cultural institutions, including The Barbican Centre — where he made history as its first ever contemporary artist-in-residence — The White Cube Gallery, and the V&A Museum. His performances and curatorial projects have featured at WOMAD, SXSW, Jazz à Vienne, and the Montreux Jazz Festival. His film and soundtrack credits include compositions for Disney's Mufasa (2024) and Disney's Iwaju (2024). He has delivered guest professorships at NYU Abu Dhabi, where he has been Artist-in-Residence since January 2026.

 

Connect with Yahael Camara Onono 👉 https://instagram.com/yahaelco

Hosted by: Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://www.instagram.com/mikey_mu

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