Lamine Sonko was born in Senegal, West Africa to a family of Griots. He began performing the dance, drum and song traditions of his culture when he was only 10 years old. After only a short period, Lamine featured as a solo dancer, percussionist and vocalist and different local groups that are well known in Senegal. He is a much respected artist and griot both in his own region and others which include Europe and Australia.
Lamine learnt his craft while growing up in an artistic family. Most notably, his parents maintain the strongest influence on his talent. His father, Bouly Sonko, is presently the Director for ‘Le Ballet National Du Senegal’, and has been for 30 years. His mother, ‘Oumy Sene’, was the first solo dancer for ‘Le Ballet National Du Senegal’ and for ‘Doudou Ndiaye Rose’, who is a prominent figure in traditional Senegalese Sabar music. Lamine’s family is well-known and highly respected internationally.
His work as a performing artist has taken him on tours around Senegal and Internationally. A most recent highlight was a feature performance at popular music event ‘Festival Ebony de Dakar’, 2004, where he danced alongside Senegalese Diva, ‘Vivianne Ndour’. He has also performed alongside international singers such as ‘Youussou Ndour’ and ‘Fatou Nguewel Diouf’.
Lamine’s family has an international reach. They live and work extensively as custodians of Senegalese traditions in places such as Europe, the United States, Japan and Australia. Because of this reach, Lamine has been teaching what he knows to people from all over the world since he was 12 yrs old. He is a versatile and talented artist, capable of rich musical fusions with artists of the ‘Jazz’, ‘Hip hop’, ‘DJ’ and ‘Contemporary African’ genres. After such a short time in Australia, Lamine is a sought after performer and teacher of West African dance and drum.
His ability to inspire audiences and students is awesome. His dancing and drumming style is swift, stylish and electrifying. He has a spiritual edge that reaches into people’s hearts and is ever pervading.
www.laminsonko.com
