He started as a man on a mission to revive, retouch and retain the cultural values of his ancestors, and, along the way, has built a vast repertoire of exotic folk melodies for our collective enjoyment. Accompanied with his favourite instrument – the panflute, MESEKO updates tradition and evokes poignancy and nostalgia in his music. Some have spoken of the soft ripples in the brook, others tell of sweet chirps of birds and the wind caress of rustling forest leaves, yet there’s still no denying the pervading atmospheric sound of the sweeping plains and alluring hills of his native Bunuland in West Africa. It’s a lace of grace, a unique experience of the beauty in simplicity.
As a griot, musician-composer, dancer, choreographer and instructor, Amadou Kienou is active throughout North America, Africa, Europe, Asia, India and the Caribbean. He has performed with great artists, including Miriam Makeba, Manu Dibango, Angélique Kidjo, Salif Keita, Youssou N'dour and Kassav, and with his own ensembles Foteban and Djeli Sira. He has recorded many CDs and DVDs comprising performances and djembe instruction. In recognition of his artistry, he has received numerous awards, including Best Artist of Burkina Fasoin 2011, Cultural Ambassador of Burkina Faso in Canada in 2014 and Male Artist of the Year in 2016 (Radio Kilimanjaro, Canada). He is president of the Burkina Faso Association of Canada.
The Rama Club
Rama Club is a non profit organization whose mission is to empower, promote and develop the Burundian community through cultural activities.
Master of Ceremony
Kwesi Johnson - Educator / Stakeholder Engagement Strategist / Founding Consultant / Social Justice Activist / Professor at Ryerson University and Centennial College