MAMAYA is a traditional Malinke festival from the Chief city Kankan of Upper Guinea which celebrates any joyous community event or religious holiday, which has spread accross West Africa (Mali, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Sierra leone and the Guinea Bissau) Mamaya is an occasion for all the local sérés (women groups) to put on their uniforms and turn out to sing and dance as a group. The Bay Area celebrated it's first Mamaya celebration at Eid- El Kebir (Tabaski) or the Feast of the sheep! 

Historical note: The old Mandingo-dance Mamaya (Mamayah) was very populair in Guinea during the 1940 - 1960 period. Traditionally it was a very stately dance, that was performed in a club or a group where one was part of. Dressed in gouba's and embroded shirts, male and female dancers could express their beauty, while dancing in two circles (men in outer circle, women in inner circle

Special Guest performances by Artist and singer Missia Saran from Guinea, Ousseynou e Kouyate of Djaly kunda Griots from Senegal, and Drumming by karamba Dioubate!

PHOTOS CAPTURED BY: Karen Compton  info@blinkofaneyepr.com

 

If you have an event that you would like for us to cover or you see your face yet we failed to display your name let us know at: contactus@kultureclash.com and provide name(s) omitted or contact information for your event.