Grupo Yaramá

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Grupo Yaramá is a West African music group inspired by the traditions of Senegal, Mali and Guinea. They are often joined by dancers. Their work is documented in the 2008 film On-Yaramá, shown at the African Film Festival of Tarifa. The name Yaramá means “with an open heart” in Mandingo. Their music brings together several West African cultures and uses traditional instruments such as the kora, djembes, dununs, balafon, yabará and bells to create a powerful sound. Dance and rhythm are woven into their performances.

They also run workshops on dance and percussion at events like the African Film Festival of Tarifa and Festival Eutopía09. Their dance style features expressive movements that separate different parts of the body. Group members include Ivan Sanjuan (percussionist trained in Senegal, Guinea and Cuba), Ibrahima Diabete (born in Senegal, trained at the Dakar conservatory), Jacinthe Zinzou (Senegalese dancer trained in ritual dance, fire, stilts and limbo), Sirifo Kouyate (from Kolda) and Fidel Marquez (drums). They are often accompanied by dancers led by Cristina Rosa, director of the Badajoz School of African Dance.