DEMBIS THIOUNG

DEMBIS THIOUNG 

Ancestral West African Rhythms Keeper + New Rhythms Creator  + Drummaker + Percussionist Artist + Educator & Community Gatekeepe
Griot by blood + Bayefall at heart

Dundun, Djembe, Sabar, Asico drums

Griot by blood and Bayefall at heart, is a mesmerizing  master of the dunduns - the melodic and hypnotic West African bass drums.  

The traditional West African Dundun, are a set of three double sided drums hit  with sticks made by wood and cowskin that make up the HEARTBEAT, the  MELODY and the SOUL of traditional West African ensemble djembe music. 

Born and raised in Dakar, West Africa, within a Serer Griot family, Dembis Thioung inherited his mother's rich cultural heritage and his father's Peul/Fula Laube traditions. He was introduced to traditional and contemporary Senegalese music from a very young age, learning the art of drumming and dance.

Dembis is recognized as a skilled percussionist, specializing in Dundun, Djembe, Sabar, and Asico drums. He proudly identifies with the Senegalese Baye Fall Brotherhood, carrying forward the teachings of Cheikh Ahamdou Bamba, spiritual leader of a powerful nonviolent revolution.

In London, Dembis hosts regular PENCHMI African drum + dance + chant portals inviting participants to connect through rhythm, movement, nature and community. He's the founder of BENE TALLY BAND & friends, which bridges West African ancestral wisdom with creative community collaborations.  He also offers the DEMBIS THIOUNG: African Griot + Bayefall Drum Blessing act, an opening & closing drum ceremony, inviting the audience to connect as one through his mesmerizing & contagious rhythms. 

Dembis's journey in the UK began in 2010 when he toured with Ballet Daradji. He has since become a sought-after performer and teacher, sharing his expertise with various companies and artists. His versatile percussion skills have led him to collaborate with artists from diverse musical backgrounds.

Notable performances include engagements with Senegalese international artists Baaba Maal, Carlou D, and contributing to the soundtrack of the FOX TV Series "Deep Estate." Dembis also supports community initiatives, such as the West London Welcome refugee center.

As an organizer, Dembis hosts the annual Dundun Drum & Dance workshop festival series, uniting masters and students. His passion for music extends beyond boundaries, collaborating with international artists like Irineu Nogueira, Luzmira Zerpa, Nina Miranda, Noga Ritter, Apex Zero, Akola Tambo, Peter Adjaye, Jally Kebba Susso, Shumba Masai amongst many others. 

Dembis's dedication to music and culture shines through in his transformative performances and community-focused initiatives, making him a dynamic ancestral keeper and transmitter of traditional West African rhythms.