Haruna, i came across King Marong when i was conducting a small research on a manden history. through my searches, he featured. we spoke and then exchange emails. his agent added me on his mailing list. I never knew the Marongs are that good a musician!. but remember the Touray kunda band was also famous some time ago. and the Gambia college students will remember Dry dance,. ask former Gambia college students about dry dance haruna, may be Dr Jeng can shed a light. or even Dr Jaiteh.
as for the CD's. i haven't any, the only music i occasionally listen to is Sory Kandia and Benbeya Jazz. not any other am afraid.

--- On Thu, 20/11/08, Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

From: Haruna Darbo <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: King Marong News
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Thursday, 20 November, 2008, 12:48 AM




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Suntou,
When are you gonna send me some CD's???
Haruna. Quit teasing folk.





Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:59:23 +0000
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Fw: King Marong News
To: [log in to unmask]








--- On Wed, 19/11/08, King Marong <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

From: King Marong <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: King Marong News
To: "Rebecca Matthews" <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wednesday, 19 November, 2008, 2:11 PM




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 King Marong Music News.


























 
 
Gig Guide…..
 
Fri 21st Nov
Fund Raising Gig
King Marong and Friends
Central Hub Hotel 
293 Swan St Richmond
Doors from 6.30pm
To aid in raising funds for malaria in Papua New Guinea  
 
 
King Marong and Afro Mandinko
"afrobeat-jazz-funk-reggae-fusion"
The Horn
20 Johnston St Collingwood
Fri 21st Nov
From 9pm
FREE 
 
'Music for Mpumalanga ' 
Fundraising Event 
Sunday the 23rd November
The EMPRESS
Brunswick St Fitzroy
Charles Baby 
Amberdance 
King Marong 
Rhythm Traders 

Rhythm & Rights
Human Rights Arts and Film Festival
King Marong
Muhanamwe
Sun 23rd Nov 

9.30pm 

Red Violin 

Level 2 231 Bourke St, Melbourne 

FREE 

  

Multicultural Arts Victoria in partnership with The Horn presents…. 

Kulcha Jam @ The Horn, 20 Johnston St , Collingwood. Seriously sweet jam sessions with flavours from all over the world…..bringing together some of the rarest emerging African, Island & Indigenous music talents live on stage for your dancing and listening pleasure. Entry $5 at door. Dinner bookings: 94174670. 

20th Dec at 9pm 

King Marong & Afro Mandinko  

with Muhanamwe 

  

Other Events.....  

  

Weaving Workshops with Sue and Deb, see attached flyer 

 
Weaving Workshop
Learn the universal Thread of weaving
Embraced by all ancient cultures.
This skill will take you on a personal journey that will enhance your creativity and soothe your mind and soul. 

Great way to connect with nature, using natural fibres, recycling your old clothes, linen and fabric 

We come to your venue for the day. Cost $30 a head bring a share lunch. A Beautiful way to spend sometime with friends. Please contact us. 

Contact Sue 0407 536 704 

Deb 0422986261 

  

  

  

  

Drum Making Courses…. 

King has more new djembe shells direct from Guinea and The Gambia West Africa. 

  

King will be offering drum making workshops for those interested in learning the craft, making their own drum or re-skinning an existing drum.   

Pre-made drums can also be purchased. 

Costs vary depending on the shell you choose.   

  



Bookings essential.  

Enquiries and bookings contact King by phone or e-mail.  Ph:  0430 465 133. 

  

Tuesday Drumning Classes Continue…… 



  

King continues to run his beginners and advanced drumming classes on Tuesday nights at J-Studios, 100 Barkley St, Nth Fitzroy. 

Beginners start at 6.30 pm (1 hour class)  

Advanced at 7.00pm (90 minute class) 

Cost is $150 for 6 weeks including drum hire if required. 

  

CLASSES FOR KIDS  

King will be running his kids drumming classes....... Sunday afternoons at 1pm  

Bar 303 

303 High St, Northcote. 

Introductory price of $60/5 weeks. 

  

Relax as King takes your child on a journey of discovery and challenge through West African drum song dance and story telling.   All drums provided. 

Bookings essential, contact King to enquire or to reserve a place for your child.  Ph:  0430 465 133 

  

  

  

Contact King for details on 0430 465 133   or e-mail: [log in to unmask] 

   


'Roots Wasulung' 2009
Cultural Study Tours to 

The Gambia, West Africa
January & June 2009
Visit the 'smiling coast' of West Africa for 1 month of music and culture with your host King Marong.
Whether it's the sophisticated music, the unique food, the array of traditional textiles or the historical significance of the region that interests you, this tour of a lifetime is sure to please.
Open to all people who are passionate about African music and culture. A great opportunity to experience an intensive rich cultural exchange.
 
Workshops in The Gambia  
West Africa
with host Ebrima ‘King’ Marong

June-July 2009
Jan 2010 

About The Gambia
The Gambia, well known as the 'smiling coast', is a small country on the north west coast of Africa . Situated on either side of the large and powerful Gambia River that dominates the country. Gambia is about 300 km long by an average of 40 km wide and is surrounded by Senegal. It has about 80 km of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean and it is also where the river meets the sea. 
Gambia is vibrant, colourful and fascinating with many different tribes, traditions and a rich cultural heritage. Gambia is a melting pot of cultures with communities from every country in West Africa keeping their culture alive through their music, this makes it possible to experience the customs and become familiar with music of several different cultural groups. This tour features several intensive day workshops with musicians, dancers and acrobats from 5 different tribes, all with different and unique performance styles and costumes. No matter what the tribal background, music and dance is an integral part of daily life in Gambia. Participants will have experiences that are unique as they witness what they are learning in its cultural context. As well as a focus on music there are many other activities suitable for singles and families alike. The local cuisine of the region is unique and delectible and it's preparation a fine art to master, you too
 can learn how to cook with local women. The bustling open markets are a cultural experience unto themselves and the range of local textiles impressive, for those artistic folk, there is endless inspiration. If you come from a health or education background, there is the opportunity to share your skills with the local schools and hospitals, a truly enriching experience for all involved. This tour supports socially responsible travel, whereby activities result in positive outcomes for the local community. 

Climate
The climate is subtropical with wet and dry seasons (dry from November to May). Average temperatures 25°-35° C. 

Language
Numerous tribal languages are spoken in Gambia but English is the official language, making it convenient to communicate and engage with the community.

Drum and Dance Courses
The courses will be held in the small coastal fishing village of Bakau . A beautiful area with many long sandy beaches, river estuaries, palm trees and baobab trees. Bakau is within easy walking distance to all amenities. 
You can choose between drumming and dance or you can do both. There will be a 2 hour session in the morning followed by a break then a 2 hour session in the afternoon from Monday to Friday. 
Other workshops available in conjunction with drum and dance are Kora (a 21 string gourd harp), Balafon (an African wooden xylophone) and Fulani Flute.. There is also the opportunity to take lessons in other local instruments including bolombata (gourd bass) and conting/ngoni (lute) at an extra cost.

Drumming Workshops
The 'Language of the Drum' with its different rhythms and techniques will be taught, using both hands and sticks on Djembe, Sabar, DounDounba and Boucarabou drums. 
The emphasis will be on learning different structures of rhythms, how to keep time using maracash, palm clappers and bells, the relationship between beat and offbeat and experiencing the feeling of rhythm in your entire body. There will be workshops to cater for beginners and also those advanced students who wish to refine their technique and take on more complex rhythms.
Dance Workshops
Dance workshops will teach a number of local techniques, dances, steps and cultural styles, many of which culminate in a traditional ballet. 

Food and living.
Accommodation will be shared with two or three others in small houses, with toilet and shower, typical of the area. Gambia has an abundance of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables. During the week 2 meals a day will be provided with lunch, the main meal of the day comprising delicious Gambian fish, meat and vegetarian dishes. A small kitchen will be available for tea & coffee or smaller meals. During the evenings the group will be visiting local nightspots and parties to experience the music in its cultural context, meals may be purchased at local restaurants for around $5 or less.
On Saturday and Sunday you are free to explore Gambia on your own or with the group at organised events such as weddings or naming ceremonies. This can also be time to practice. Transport LLocal transport is cheap easy and convenient to use. Travel costs covered when travelling as a group, travelling on one's own certainly won't break the bank!Dates Annual JANUARY TOUR - commences Jan 2009 (dates TBC), includes a 28 day stay in The Gambia
Annual JUNE TOUR - commences early June to coincide with semester break.
Cost 
1 months accommodation, tuition, meals, ground transfers and special entertainment is $3500. Flights to The Gambia should be arranged separately by travellers; assistance is available. A non-refundable $1,000 deposit is required at time of booking. Full payment one month prior to departure. 
Insurance
All students are required to take out medical and travel insurance. Details provided with booking confirmation.
Vaccinations
The Gambia 's only mandatory health requirement is a yellow fever vaccination. Anti-malaria medication is recommended.
Visa:  1 month visa granted on entry to The Gambia, renewals as required.
Expressions of Interest
For bookings and enquiries phone King on (0061) 430 465 133 (Aust: 0430 465 133)
email: [log in to unmask]


Gambia is a country rich in culture, the openness and generosity of the people will leave a lasting impression. 
www.kingmarong.com 

 

  

  

  

Instruments for sale 

King still has a number of Gambian djembes and kora  (African Harp) for sale.  King also offers drum making workshops by demand for the chance to allow people to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of their instrument.  

  

CD’s 

Afro Mandinko CD is available locally from Blue Moon Records in Johnson St Fitzroy (between Brunswick and Nicholson St) and online at www.indie-cds.com  or you can come to one of our up-coming gigs and get it direct from the source.  King also has a number of previous recordings available by request. 

  

  

  

  
King Marong
Master Percussionist
The Gambia, West Africa
Melbourne, Australia
Ph: 0430 465 133
E-mail: [log in to unmask] 
Website: http://www.kingmarong.com  
Afro Mandinko Website: http://www.mdiart.com/mandinkosite

    





























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