Armando Mafufo is a drummer to the core. Starting at age 14, sneaking into Chicago jazz clubs, playing 3-day BeBop sessions with hardcore musicians, later discovering hand drums, congas, bongos, and timbal in the early 60s, then into experimental music, world drums and finally Middle Eastern drums and percussion in 1970. Since then, Armando has dedicated more than 30 years to performing the music of the Mediterranean and North African peoples. He has toured the United States, Mexico and Canada, produced four celebrated albums of his own music, and instructional CDs and videos on the playing of Arabic percussion instruments. An exciting and innovative powerhouse player, Armando, as Uncle Mafufo, is also a respected teacher of Middle Eastern percussion, his unique style of communicating rhythm counts and nuances has made him a treasured instructor from coast to coast and beyond.
As lead percussionist in the band Sirocco, Armando is a melodic doumbek player and master of shading and textures on the Arabic drum. Sirocco has been Delilah’s favored band since their initial collaboration in 1991 and is featured on her videos. Besides Sirocco, Armando also plays with musical groups Nuba (Tunisian music), Orient’al (Egyptian), Trova Tropical (Puerto Rican and Cuban), The Juan Sanchez Ensemble (popular Spanish), and is currently exploring Persian and Afgani music with friends in Santa Cruz, California.
Drum Class Description
Whether you have never played or have some experience playing Middle Eastern rhythms you will enjoy this class. Dancers are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity! This is a MULTI-LEVEL class. It will be structured according to the needs of the participants. Armando will focus on technique and ensemble playing using traditional Middle Eastern rhythmic modes, the possibilities of rhythm as a focal point in music and how these rhythms can be applied to other forms of music.
Bring a percussion instrument of your choice, a notebook and learn to play the compelling rhythms that drew you to our dance. Instructional Videos and CDs will be available for sale.
