Musical Director

Kerfala “Fana” Bangoura, Musical Director

Named a Master Drummer and Dancer by the Guinean Ministry of Culture, Kerfala “Fana” Bangoura, recently joined the company as its new Musical Director.  In this role, Fana will introduce new content to Bush Mango’s repertory as well as arrange all musical content for its performances, classes and outreach programs.

Fana also teaches a drumming class on Monday evenings.  He works closely with Colleen Hendrick to direct the Company.

A Native of Guinea, Fana performed for nearly 10 years with Percussions de Guinea and Les Ballet Africains and served as a Percussion Director for Fareta, a Guinean ballet company with whom he danced as well as drummed.

Part of the sousou ethnic group in West Guinea, Fana began drumming at a very young age.  He came to the U.S. in 2009 after being given permission by Guinean authorities to remain here to teach, perform and share his cultural background.  He and his wife moved to Rochester in the spring of 2011.

In addition to being part of Bush Mango, Fana also leads a percussion ensemble in the music department at the UR.  He also teaches a West African dance class there. He also visits Guinea regularly performing with his own ensemble, Sekha-Kan Kolon, and leading student groups there.