Drums, dance and mantra-like chants gives birth to this Afro-Colombian ritual in which everyone is invited to unify their voices and reconnect to the root.
Akolá Tambó, first bullerengue group in the UK, was born in London in 2020. Due to its geographical location, its objective has been to reconstruct, through practice and research, the ancestral legacy of this tradition in order to rescue it from oblivion and share its healing power with the world.
The group has fast gained recognition and become a reference within London’s Latin community, and it has been invited to perform at some of the community’s most important venues and stages such as Latino Life Festival, FEST LATAM, Fusión de los Pueblos, CASA Festival, The Curve Garden, The Jago, Hootananny, Paper Dress Vintage, The Post Bar and Blanquita’s, and in festivals across the UK and Europe such as The Great Get Together, Vortex Jazz Festival, Tonnau Festival in Wales, Prende La Vela Festival in Spain and the Great Exhibition Road Festival. They also participated at the María la Baja Bullerengue Festival in Colombia in December 2022.
With its trance-inducing bullerengue, Akolá Tambó presents a blaze of traditional Afro-Colombian beats that will take you on a journey to reconnect to the root. A high dose of drums, dance and mantra-like chants gives birth to this ancestral ritual in which everyone is invited to take part, unify their voices and become one.
Dembis Thioung
Born and raised in Dakar, West Africa, within a Serer Griot family, Dembis Thioung inherited his mother's rich cultural heritage and his father's Peul/Fula Laube traditions. He was introduced to traditional and contemporary Senegalese music from a very young age, learning the art of drumming and dance.
Dembis is recognized as a skilled percussionist, specializing in Dundun, Djembe, Sabar, and Asico drums. He proudly identifies with the Senegalese Baye Fall Brotherhood, carrying forward the teachings of Cheikh Ahamdou Bamba, spiritual leader of a powerful nonviolent revolution.
In London, Dembis hosts regular PENCHMI African drum + dance + chant portals inviting participants to connect through rhythm, movement, and community. He's the founder of BENE TALLY BAND & friends, which bridges West African ancestral wisdom with creative community collaborations. He also offers the DEMBIS THIOUNG: African Griot + Bayefall Drum Blessing act, an opening & closing drum ceremony, inviting the audience to connect as one through his mesmerizing & contagious rhythms.
Dembis's journey in the UK began in 2010 when he toured with Ballet Daradji. He has since become a sought-after performer and teacher, sharing his expertise with various companies and artists. His versatile percussion skills have led him to collaborate with artists from diverse musical backgrounds.
Notable performances include engagements with Senegalese international artists Baaba Maal, Carlou D, and contributing to the soundtrack of the FOX TV Series "Deep Estate." Dembis also supports community initiatives, such as the West London Welcome refugee center.
As an organizer, Dembis hosts the annual Dundun Drum & Dance workshop festival series, uniting masters and students. His passion for music extends beyond boundaries, collaborating with international artists like Irineu Nogueira, Luzmira Zerpa, Nina Miranda, Noga Ritter, Apex Zero, Akola Tambo, Shumba Masai amongst many others.
Dembis's dedication to music and culture shines through in his transformative performances and community-focused initiatives, making him a dynamic ancestral keeper and transmitter of traditional West African rhythms.