Manu Walton

Baba Manu Walton is a djembe teacher in Chicago, and much more. He has taken lessons in Gambia, from Gasim Sillah, and in the U.S., from Papa Ladji Camara, Mamady Keita, M' Bemba Bangoura, several members of Les Ballet Guinea, and most of the respected, African djembefola residing in the U.S.

Baba Manu gives an excellent, informative, 1 hour musical presentation consisting of the aforementioned instruments to children, adolescents and adults in most organizational
venues. Dance included upon request.

For Bookings and additional information contact Baba Manu: 773. 783. 7072 or via contact form below.

Baba Manu will present a Lecture and Demonstration on the following Traditional West African Percussion Instruments:

"In order to make proper progress on the drum, you must learn from someone who knows ( A Good Teacher), play with people more knowledgeable than yourself and practice at least 1 hour alone, daily.
Don't be afraid to get a good teacher who charges for lessons. In this art, you tend to get what you pay for. Free, almost always means inferior, incorrect instruction from a novice who needs a teacher him or herself.

Internalize what you learn. If you can sing the part accurately, tones, slaps, basses, you've got it - In your head. Then you must get it in your hands.

Learn to practice rhythms and/or excersises slowly and accurately, hearing clearly every note (slap,tone, bass) .
Speed will come, and when it does after having developed in this way, the result will be beautiful. music"
Always play good, strong accompaniment. Don't become such a soloist/lead drummer , that you can't play accompaniment well.

Listen to accomplished drummers CDs, DVDs, etc. Always honor and respect your teachers."