GREETINGS EVERYONE
Bala Roots is a dynamic musical quartet that draws on influences from West Africa, Cuba, and the music from New Orleans. This group of musical veterans has come together to produce exciting versions of traditional roots music. They infuse and arrange songs with psychedelic, reggae, and flamenco influences, sharing their love of music from around the world in each performance.

balarootsmusic@gmail.com

SERVICES

The most unforgettable musical experiences for events of all kinds, performed by Bala Roots.

Live Performances

Bala Roots delivers captivating live shows that combine traditional roots music with modern psychedelic, reggae, and flamenco elements. Perfect for bars, restaurants, festivals, weddings, and private events. Our performances will energize any space and captivate any crowd.

Corporate Events & Private Functions

Add an international flavor to your corporate gathering or private function. Whether you’re hosting a large event or an intimate gathering, Bala Roots can tailor their setlist to fit the vibe and enhance the atmosphere of your occasion.

Festivals & Concerts

With years of experience playing at festivals and large venues, Bala Roots brings an electrifying presence to the stage. Our unique mix of global music is sure to draw in and engage audiences of all ages.

ABOUT US!

A percussionist and educator who has studied and performed many different drumming traditions from around the world. He has traveled to West and North Africa to study jembe, dunun, balafon, frame drum, and hunters (donso) music. He has performed with great percussionists such as Ladji Camara, Glen Velez, Michael Spiro, Madou Dembele, Alessandra Belloni, Soner Cicek, and Abdoul Doumbia. He has accompanied Sufi Zikirs, belly dancing, Modern, Ballet, and traditional dance classes and performances. Throat singing, conga, bata, jaw harp, and mandocello are in his repertoire. He has performed and facilitated workshops at universities and in public school systems throughout the Southeast. Along with Eric Charry, he founded the Summer Jembe and Dance Institute. For ten years, he owned and operated Talking Drums Inc., a world percussion shop. His work as a craftsman on jembes and other world percussion instruments is widely known, including refurbishing a jembe for the Smithsonian Museum. A former adjunct professor in the School of Music and an accompanist in the Dance Department for nineteen years at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He currently accompanies dance classes at Elon University. His performances range from New York City’s Lincoln Center to weddings in Bamako, Mali, Sufi Zikirs, to backyard parties.
Originally from Wilmington, NC, he began his musical journey at the age of 8 in middle school band on alto saxophone and switched to electric bass at age 10 when he realized his ears were naturally focused on the bassline while listening to music. After jazz ensemble in high school, he began working towards a jazz performance degree in college, which he completed at UNC-Greensboro. At UNCG, he met and took classes instructed by both Dr. Douglas and Mr. Blocker. During that time, he started the NC jam band powerhouse, The Mantras, with (the then local GSO music scene icon) Marcus Horth and fellow UNCG music school student Keith Allen. In their attempt to write in and perform as many genres of music as possible, The Mantras have written over 100 original songs, produced 7 full-length albums, and built a loyal fan base of music lovers from all walks of life. While touring with The Mantras for over 20 years across the United States, he has played over 3,000 shows and still claims that being a father is the best gig of his life. He lives in Greensboro with his wife Jet and their daughter Lenora.
A drummer and educator who is passionate about sharing African culture with others. With more than four decades of experience teaching African drumming and dance in schools across America, he has dedicated his life to promoting cultural understanding through music. Raised in Brooklyn, New York by his Cuban father and Panamanian mother, he comes from a family of talented percussionists. His thirst for music led him to study with renowned teachers such as Ladji Camara, Mamady Keita, Abdou Kounta, Abdoul Doumbia, and Fadouba Oulare. He has performed both at home and abroad with great artists and ensembles, including Alvin Ailey, Arthur Mitchell and the Dance Theater of Harlem, Marie Brooks’ Caribbean Dance Theater, and the Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble (AADE). Co-founder of the International Afrikan American Ballet (IAAB) and the Simar Center for Performing Arts (SCPA), his contributions to African music and culture continue to inspire many.
GET IN TOUCH

Looking to add some amazing live music to your event? We’d love to bring the energy to your special occasion! Reach out to us for bookings, inquiries, or any questions. 

Call Us
336-340-3082
Email Us
balarootsmusic@gmail.com
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