Ken Tupper started playing guitar in his teens, and in the mid-1990s had the opportunity to learn West African guitar from Alpha Yaya Diallo. Since then, Ken has continued to study African guitar and percussion, including spending a month Conakry, Guinea in 2008 for immersive music and cultural learning. For more information about Ken, including his academic and other interests, check out: www.kentupper.com.

A celebrated soloist and master djembe player from Guinea, Alseny Michel Diallo and Marafani offers audiences a chance to dance, be joyful and revel in the African way of music as a vital and fundamental part of everyday life.