Sekou "Tepaka" Conde, is of the Malinke ethnic group and descendant of the Conde Family of Siguiri in Guinea West Africa. Though born in the United States, Chicago, IL. Conde is an accomplished and devoted artist who has garnered much critical acclaim and respect for his music. Throughout his life, he has learned very valuable lessons from the greats of his homeland Africa and America. His achievements range from teaching worldwide, and performing with many of the towering companies of Guinea, to producing original recordings of classical arrangements that significantly draw upon his West African roots.

Mr. Conde began drumming at the young age of 1, inspired by his Father Ramu and was propelled into a professional career at the age of 4 with Muntu Dance Theater of Chicago under the training and direction of Babu Atiba (Assistant Artistic Director), where he performed for many years as a child.

 

Sekou relocated south to Memphis TN, where he became an integral part of Nubian Dance Company and Zulu Connection of New Orleans. Shortly thereafter, he co-founded Bamana African Drum and Dance Ensemble of Memphis TN. During his time in the South, Sekou was able to reach the masses of those in search of their cultural identity, yearning to learn about Africa through the rich legacy of music, song and dance. Moreover, Conde established The Djembekan School of Percussion, where he taught the intricately delicate, and at the same time curiously simple melodic patterns of the Malinke people of Mali and Guinea West Africa. Sekou’s committed and enthusiastic training of a number of drummers in the area gained him enormous adulation and high respect from not only his cohorts in the West African drum and dance community, but many adoring students as well. Of all his many honors, the opportunity to teach in a plethora of local school districts and perform for audiences throughout the South remains one of Sekou’s fondest memories.

 

After years of unparalleled success as a dynamic educator, paid consultant, and stunning performer, Sekou moved back to Chicago and quickly intergrated back into the musical scene becoming musical director for Alyo Children’s Dance Company, under the direction of Kimosha Murphy, principle drummer with Najwa Dance Corps and Muntu Dance Theater Of Chicago.

 

In 2006, Sekou toured with Legends of West Africa. Upon his return from tour he created Seneke West African Percussion Ensemble, where the intricacies and beauty of the drums are honored and shown.

 

In 2007 Conde toured with NIMBAYA! Formerly known as Amazones Women Master Drummers, and is also a member of GUINEEPERCUSSIONS, founded and managed by his uncle Mamoudou Conde.

 

Additionally, Conde created a Childrens ensemble entitled "Seneke Jr. which is his new blossoming seed.

 

Sekou has also recorded an astonishing 4 compact discs full of music from Guinea and Mali West Africa, "SENEKE", "FARADALA" ,"CULTIVATION" and "CULTIVATED BLACKLAND".

 As a budding entrepreneur, Sekou is definitely making his presence felt in the world of business and technology as well, formatting tracks from his release "Faradala" into ringtones for cell phone users and building websites.

 

The intrinsic discipline and vast knowledge that Sekou has amassed vis-à-vis the dialectical process of impassioned learning and teaching, has taken his abilities to new heights, increasing his cultural devotion to the traditional African value system. Sekou continues to lecture and perform around the globe, sharing the importance of traditional culture as well as the upliftment of young people everywhere.