Seattle-Based World Beat Groups

Seattle is home to a number of world beat bands, samba schools, and other groups. For now, I’m just listing as many as I can think of here. Later, I’ll add profiles of some/many/most/all of them.

If you know of a world music group, dance troupe, or other organization that should be listed on this page, please let me know.

African Groups

  • Andrew Oliver Kora Band (Portland-based band featuring Seattle’s Kane Mathis)
  • Anzanga Marimba Ensemble
  • African All-Stars (Mohammed Shaibu)
  • Amadanyo
  • Atlantic Melody (Edward Souarez)
  • Eckaman and Super Mokako
  • Gansango (Etienne Cakpo)
  • Kheweul (Mapathe Diop)
  • Konde Billi (Karim Koumbassa)
  • Lagni Sussu (Naby Camara)
  • Leif Totusek and Friends
  • Mahonyera Mbira Ensemble
  • Matemai Mbira Group
  • Maya Soleil
  • Ocheami Drum & Dance
  • Safal (Ibrahima Camara)
  • Sahel (Kane Mathis)
  • Sol Afrique (Guillaume Mpacko)
  • Soyaya (Mohammed Shaibu)
  • Sukutai Marimba Ensemble
  • Village Drum & Masquerade
  • Yeke Yeke (Thione Diop)

Afro-Cuban Groups

  • Ijo Ayanmo (Shawna Hawk)
  • Omo Alagba (Arturo Rodriguez)

Brazilian, Samba, and Afro-Brazilian Groups

Eclectic World Beat Groups

  • Anjuman (Indian/Afro-Cuban)
  • Hejira (Western/Middle Eastern/tribal)
  • Manghis Khan Quartet (African/Brazilian/Latin/jazz)

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