Masabo is a proud member of the Vancouver World Music Collective
www.vancouverworldmusic.org

There is an explosion of energy when Masabo hits the stage! This dynamic ensemble formed of hereditary West African master musicians and dancers fill the air with soaring melodies and driving rhythms. This is entertainment at its finest as the ancient arts of West Africa are brought to life on stage. Masabo is a feast of traditional songs and stories, athletic dance and absolutely stunning musicianship. Audiences quickly jump to their feet, beaming as they dance and sing to this celebration of life. Masabo brings thousands of years of African history to the stage with power and passion that are not to be missed!

Fana Soro

Fana Soro was born in Senoufo village in Côte d'Ivoire. His father was famous balafon player until he became the "Kulofol" or Chief of the village, responsible for holding the power staff and maintaining the traditions and ceremonies of his people. At the age of seven Fana was chosen by his father to continue the generations - old family tradition of the balafon, which demanded a number of initiations, rigorous training and performances at small ceremonies. Although Fana's father died two years later, Fana continued to study with a number of prominent teachers and by the age of eleven was touring as a soloist and with Nanlourgo, the top balafonist in the region. It was at this time that Fana's mother, concerned for his safety as the next stage of initiations were very dangerous, sent him out of the village to live with his uncle in Korhogo city. Yet Fana secretly traveled back and forth to continue his training. He continued to perform regularly as a solo artist, with musicians in the city and at large festivals with the musicians of his village, until at seventeen he was spotted by a talent scout for the Ballet National de Côte d'Ivoire. Fana moved to Abidjan to join the Ballet and learned professional performance techniques, dance, and drumming, while continuing his studies of the balafon. Louis Akien, the ballet's director, took Fana under his wing and helped to guide his career, and Fana spent nine years with the company, touring England, Holland, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Yugoslavia, Martiniqué, and West Africa.

In 1990 Fana moved to Norway after receiving an invitation from the Norwegian Ministry of Culture to perform throughout the Norwegian educational system. In great demand, Fana appeared on many Scandinavian TV shows; performed with jazz, rock, and World artists; designed programs for the Norwegian International Children's Museum; and toured throughout Northern Europe with the World Music group Super Djembé Kan. In 1997 Fana moved to Canada to perform with numerous artists, including African sensation Alpha Yaya Diallo, the World Music supergroup ASZA, Cuban salsa pianist Kathy Kidd, percussionist extraordinaire Sal Ferreras and many others. Fana formed Masabo in 1998, and has led this ensemble to perform across Canada and internationally - Masabo is still going, stronger than ever, 7 years later.

As a solo artist, Fana is one of the most booked artists for the Vancouver School Board's Artist in Residence Program. In seven years, Fana has hosted more than 150 residencies in the lower mainland, sharing his culture with thousands of local children. See Programs for more info.

In 2002, Masabo' first CD, Solognougo, was released under the guidance of producer Jay O'Keeffe, (see www.jayokeeffe.ca to read about the production of Solognougo), to the delight of many Masabo fans and multicultural radio stations across the country. Also in 2002, what a big year, Fana opened Masabo Music & Dance Studio, a centre where Artists and Enthusiasts of any of the arts from the African Diaspora can come together to learn and share their craft. See STUDIO.

Jean Pierre Makosso

Jean Pierre is an internationally renowned Actor, Storyteller and Dancer from Pointe Noire, Congo Brazza-Ville in Central Africa. Educated as a teacher, and after teaching French for several years, he found himself returning to his childhood love of dancing and storytelling with which he has toured the world. Jean Pierre has performed all over Africa and as an actor and storyteller, in Switzerland with Company Amiel, in France with Theatre du Corps, in Canada and China. Jean Pierre has also performed at more than 1,000 schools worldwide as storyteller and dancer. He also works in schools, teaching drama and giving workshops in storytelling and dance. Jean Pierre is a resident of Gibsons, BC, and is familiar with the ferry ride to and from Vancouver! Masabo welcomed Jean Pierre into the group in the role of resident Storyteller in the fall of 2004, but he can also be found dancing, playing percussion accompaniment and bringing comedic relief to his fellow artists and to the world at large! Masabo is very happy to have Jean Pierre - his positive energy, his laugh and smile - as a member of the group. For more info check out Jean Pierre's web site www.makossovillage.com

Masabo also collaborates with following fellow artists...

Sekou Sylla 604.522.5664 www.doundounba.ca

Kesseke Yeo 604.522.5664

Munkie Ncapayi www.drumcafe.ca

Ron Stelting roar@smartt.com

Paul Bray paulbray@telus.net

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