THE COMPANY - PITTSBURGH
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Kadiatou Conte-Forte was born in Conakry, Guinea, West Africa. She has performed and traveled with The National Ballet of Guinea, also known as Les Ballets Africains & Ballet National Djoliba around the world. In 1985, she returned to the US because she fell in love with the people of the US especially the African-American Community. Kadiatou has taught at several universities and private and public school systems around the country. She started Balafon West African Dance Ensemble in 1977 which is composed of many of her students and colleagues from her years with the National Ballet of Guinea. Kadiatou, a consummate teacher and motivator, believes that dance combined with constant prayer makes one stronger physically and mentally, and is a source of healing and balance in one’s life.
DANCERS
Niche Faulkner, was born and raised in North Carolina. While studying Psychology at Chatham University in Pittsburgh. Niche attended an African Aerobics class taught by Mama Kadiatou. This class would serve as an introduction to African Cuture, dance, food and a greater sense of community. Through Mama Kadiatou’s teaching, and Niche’s future doctoral work, she believes that she can better serve African Americans in the community by exposing them to the rich culture of Africa and it’s people; teaching them that “the blood that unites us is thicker than the water that divides us” - quote by Allan Boesak.
Linsey McDaniel, was raised in Pittsburgh and moved to Washington, DC to study engineering at Howard University. It was there that Linsey took a class with Mama Kadiatou and fell in love with the self-expression, discipline and cultural understanding gained through dance. She hopes that in moving back to Pittsburgh to earn her MBA from Carnegie Mellon University and work in Strategic Management at Westinghouse that she can also help expose other to traditional African Dance.
Chrisala M. Brown is a graduate of Temple University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Dance Performance. She has performed with many choreographers in the Pittsburgh and Philadelphia areas and is currently performing with the Legacy Arts Project since 2007 and Balafon West African Dance Ensemble since January 2008.
Leida Tolentino, grew up in an essentially dance culture in the Cape Verde Islands. After relocating to Boston, she started dancing in the West African and Brazilian styles. She has now been a part of Mama Kadiatou’s dance family for two years while also pursuing a doctorate degree in Psychology at Pitt. She views dancing as the joyful devine and sends a word of gratitude to all of her teachers.

Halona McKamey , from Pittsburgh, is currently working in the medical field and still working on furthering her education as a nurse. She is honored to be a Balafon West African dancer, taught by Mama Kadiatou for over five years. The impact of Mama’s unconditional love will always have an impact on my life. She loves every experience and moment that is shared with Mama and Balafon. “I love you Kadiatou with all my heart Thank You!”

Nile Ruff is currently pursuing her BFA at Point Park University as a freshman dance major. She trained in Washington, DC with Kankouran West African Dance Company and Coyaba Dance Theater. She's new to Pittsburgh and to Balafon. It is her first time working with Kadiatou Conte. She's excited and thrilled, and looks forward to her future with the Balafon Company.

Janelle Renee Carter was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. She has a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee State University and a master’s degree from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA. Janelle is currently a therapist working with children and adolescents from the inner city of Pittsburgh and McKeesport, PA. Janelle met and began dancing with Mama in 2009 and has enjoyed every moment of it. “Mama sees things in her dancers that we don’t see in ourselves and for that I am truly grateful!!” Janelle hopes that she will be able to continue to dance and bring West African dance to people of all colors and ages.

Dr. Kyaien “Kya” Conner , born in Seattle, WA and moved to Pittsburgh in 1998 to attend the University of Pittsburgh where she received a Masters Degree in Social Work, a Masters Degree in Public Health and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Work. She is currently Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine. Kya has been dancing West African dance since she was 5 years old. She met Mama Kadiatou in the winter of 2009 and has been dancing with her ever since. Kya realized immediately after meeting her that their encounter was destined, and that Mama was going to be her dance teacher, her mentor…her dance Mama. “Balafon has become more than a dance company to me, Balafon is a way of life, Balafon is part of my spirit, and Balafon is my family”.

Sheba K-H Gittens is a Brooklynite by way of Trinidad and Jamaica. She received her BA in Africana Studies, concentration in English Literature, from the University of Pittsburgh in Dec of 2007. African Dance has been a tool of cultural reclamation and preservation for Ms. Gittens. She has been dancing for over 8 years and Mama Kadiatou is her first woman teacher. “I love watching Mama embellish the movements of her hips, arms and head. She has inspired me to fight for my goals on the dance floor and beyond. She is our Mother, Sister Girl, Teacher, lol…our everything J ! She is absolutely Brilliant! I humbly submit my thanks to Mama Kadiatou and to my dance sisters!”

Yasheena J. Moultrie  is a California native who has experience in performing and experimenting with many art forms. Her growth in the West African dance style has undergone 10 years of positive transformation, due to conferences with master teachers, intense rehearsals and great performances. Her beginnings started with the Shona Sharif African Dance and Drum Ensemble, the Pittsburgh Dance Ensemble and most recently she joined the Balafon family in 2009. Yasheena met Mama Kadiatou in 2007 while attending several of her dance classes. She enjoys her time and the cultural exposure to West African drum and dance, the language and definitely the food. "Thank you Mama for being my mentor".
Kelly Parker was born in Portsmouth, VA and raised in Washington, PA by grandparents James and Willie E. Major. Ms. Parker's Drummers's path began in Washington, D.C. Kelly was in troduced to West African Drumming in 1991, at the Wood Street Emporium in Wilkinsburg, and African & African American Goods & Bookstore. In 1995 she began to use druming as a part of a program for at-risk youth in Arlington Heights. Kelly has performed at various African festivals, parades, coffee shops, schools, colleges & universitites, rallies, churches, community centers and social service in the Pittsburgh and Tri-States area.
MUSICIANS
Hamidou Korebougge was born in Conakry, Guinea, West Africa and has performed with Les Ballet Africains, the National Ballet of The Republic of Guinea and Ballet Djoiiba for over 35 years. Hamidou and Mama Kadiatou have performed together in Ballet Africains for 15 yrs. Since living in America, Hamidou has been performing with Balafon West African Dance Ensemble for the past 6yrs. Hamidou is a very, very talented Acrobat, Dancer and Drummer and enchants the audience with his smile and grace.
Cheick Hamala Diabate, born in Kita, Mali Cheick is recognized by the international arts community as one of the top “ngoni” Jali players around. The Jali (or Griot) is the historian of West Africa. They are the “books” and recount the history of a people via spoken word, song and music. Cheick came to the US in 1995 and has performed at various venues including the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Smithsonian Institution and countless universitites and performing arts venues across the nation. Cheick and Mama Kadiatou always look forward to working and performing together.
Amadou Kouyate was born in Washington, DC and has studied Manding music since the age of 3. He is a dynamic djembe and koutiro drummer, and also plays the kora, which he first learned from his father Djimo Kouyate. Amadou performs with various ensembles in the region and is an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland. "I have always admired Mama Kadiatou's passion; her constant pursuit of excellence has helped me to become a better artist."
A Chakaba or Masquerade is traditional in African societies and plays an important role, as they represent the spirit of protection provided by deceased ancestors and is the embodiment of ancestor spirits that operate from a secret society institution. Charged with protecting the people of the village and making sure that “All People” behave themselves, the Chakaba is utilized by parents to make children behave and by elders to teach values of discipline and mutual respect. In essense, he is the “Spiritual Policeman” Moho Dosso from the National Ballet of Guinea portrays the Chakaba.
Fode Mousa Camara was born in the Republic of Guinea. Fode has been drumming since age 5. Fode has performed in local community groups throughout Conakry. Fode came aboard as musical director of Balafon West African Dance Ensemble in 2000. He has enjoyed working with Mama Kadiatou over the years because playing Djembe is Fode’s Love and Life.
Aboubacar Soumah was born in 1982 in Conakry, Guinea, West Africa. He started playing percussion at the age of 8, while his first drum was an old coffee can. In 1996, he joined the group GBassikolo as a soloist. In 1998, he toured Europe with Fatou-Abou Percussion for two months. In 2006, he came to the US to work with Borenya West African Drum and Dance where he has performed in several venues including the University of Florida. He is also a wood sculptor of Djembe drums. Soumah is currently in Pittsburgh druming and teaching for Mama Kadiatou, who he loves as a mother and friend.
Yamoussa Camara - Born in the village of Boke, Guinea, West Africa,Yamoussa Camara took to his drum at an early age. During his sixteen year association as first student then protege of Mohamed Kemoko Sano, choreographer and artistic director of both national companies, Djoliba and Les Ballets Africains, plus founder and director of Les Merveilles d'Afrique, Yamoussa had the distinction of being the youngest lead drummer in Les Ballets Africains. While with the national companies he has toured Europe, Africa and the United States. Yamoussa currently resides in Pittsburgh, PA where he teaches dance at Carnegie Mellon University and the Wilkins School Community Center, teaches drumming at the Irma Freeman Center for Imagination, and performs with various ensembles in addition to his own ensemble Camara Drum and Dance.
Dante’ Mitchell was born in Pennsylvania. He began to drum at an early age learning from his mother and father who are both drummers. Mitchell soon became a Resident Drummer for Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble. At age 20, during a visit home, Mitchell met Mama Kadiatou and soon started to drum for her during her performances. He admires Mama Kadiatou’s dedication to the preservation of African culture and her willingess to share her home, her cooking, and her culture with all those who want to learn.
Nick Spivey was raised in Durham, North Carolina and started drumming at a young age learning to play the Djembe. When he became older, he joined the Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble. At 16, Spivey met Mama Kadiatou at a performance. He then left his current position and moved to Pittsburgh to drum for her. Spivey currently serves as Resident Drummer for UMOJA African Arts Company. He is inspired daily by Mama Kadiatou’s business sense as well as her work ethic. He views her as a role model and considers her to be his own mother.