About
Duniya Drum& Dance
Rhythm & Movement For Everyone
Duniya Drum and Dance is an organization established in 2007 whose mission is to provide opportunities for communities to learn and experience traditional West African rhythm and movement. Founded by internationally-recognized master drummer, Fode Bangoura of Guinea West Africa, and dancer/instructor/choreographer, Whitney McClusky, Duniya Drum and Dance teaches students and community members from diverse ages, backgrounds and skill levels the stylized rhythms, traditional movement and rich history of Guinea, West Africa.
The Company
Fode Bangoura
Artistic Director
Director and Lead Drummer of Duniya Fode hails from Guinea, West Africa and has been recognized internationally for his work as the lead drummer with the acclaimed ensembles “Les Merveilles de Guinée” and the national ballet of Guinea, “Les Ballets Africains”. A protege of the late, Mohamed Kemoko Sano, Fodé is now one of the most respected and sought after drummers of his generation and is currently based in the Twin Cities. Highlights of his career include opening for Damian Marley at The Apollo Theater, featured spot on MTV for Black History Month and recording with Trey Anastasio of Phish. Fode is a 2020 McKnight Fellowship recipient
Whitney McClusky
Artistic Director
Director and choreographer of Duniya Whitney began her study of African dance at The Djoniba Dance and Drum Center New York with Master dancers from “Les Mervielles de Guinea” and “Les Ballets Africains”. Since then she has had the opportunity to travel to Senegal and Guinea to deepen her knowledge of West African Dance and currently teaches at St. Olaf College and Carleton College, as well as offering weekly community dance classes.
Sana Bangoura
Dancer/Drummer/
Choreographer
Sana left Guinea and joined his brother Fode in Minneapolis in 2015 after serving as Assistant Director and Principal Dancer under Les Ballet Africains dancer, Sorel Conte, in his Conakry-based group, Wassasso. Sana teaches a weekly community dance class in Minneapolis for over 10 years and is a featured teaching artist and choreographer for Duniya's Fakoly conference. Sana is a 2024 McKnight Fellowship recipient.
Fara Bangoura
Drummer
Fara Bangoura has been drumming and performing since the age of five under the guidance and tutelage of his father, Fode Bangoura. Proficient on the djembe, doun doun, and krin, Fara represents the up-and-coming generation dedicated to carrying forward the sacred cultural rhythms of Guinea. With a deep respect for tradition and a strong presence as both a performer and teacher, Fara shares his knowledge and passion for West African percussion with diverse audiences. You can find him teaching and performing at conferences throughout the United States, as well as leading drum classes in Minneapolis.
Melissa Clark
Dancer
Originally from Indiana Melissa began studying dance at the age of two. She has actively trained, studied, and performed various art forms in Twin Cities for the past eleven years. Her background includes: Capoeira, Ballet, Tap, Modern, Contemporary, Samba, Afro-Brasilian, Afro-Cuban, West African Dance from Ghana and Guinea, as well as Traditional Haitian Dance. Melissa is a 2019 McKnight Fellowship Recipient
Stefani Thomas Graddy
Dancer
Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA Stefani has been dancing more than 30 years. She has trained in ballet, jazz, hip hop, house and West African. For 10 years she was a member of Bmore Houseful a house dance company founded and directed by Esperonto Bean in Baltimore, MD and for 8 years she was a member of Coyaba Dance Theater a West African dance company in Washington DC founded and directed by Mama Sylvia Soumah. She continuously seeks inspiration from artists who are committed to maintaining the authenticity of their art forms.
Cynthia Matthews
Dancer
Born and raised in South Minneapolis Cynthia took her first dance class at the Children's Theatre Company at the age of 5. She is a founding member of Duniya Drum and Dance and has also studied and performed with Mesoghios (Madison, WI), William Atchouelou, Hayor Bibimma Dance Company, and the Sumunar Dance Ensemble.
Aboubacar Bangoura
Drummer
Aboubacar Bangoura is a young percussionist who has been practically drumming since birth. Deeply connected to the rhythms of West African music, Aboubacar is already proficient on the djembe, douns, and krin. With an impressive natural feel for rhythm and timing, he brings energy, joy, and confidence to every performance. His remarkable talent and growing musical understanding make him a young artist to watch, and those around him are excited to see where his musical journey will lead in the years ahead.
