KanKouran 43rd Annual Conference and Concert 2026

Join KanKouran Dance Company for a powerful weekend of dance, drum, and cultural connection. Hundreds of participants from across the country will visit the nation’s capital September 4-6 to partake in three days of intense workshops in traditional African dance and drum, taught by master dancers and drummers from Mali, Senegal, Liberia, the Congo, the Ivory Coast, and Guinea, as KanKouran celebrates its 43rd Annual National Conference and Concert. This year’s celebration begins with the African Dance and Drum Conference, hosted at the Washington Marriott Capitol Hill, followed by our major concert production on Saturday, September 5, at 8 PM at Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium.

***CONFERENCE LOCATION***

CONFERENCE VENUE & HOST HOTEL

Washington Marriott Capitol Hill

175 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

$199/night (Single/Double Rooms)

***CUT-OFF DATE FOR RESERVATION BLOCK: AUGUST 17***

Reservations Link: https://app.marriott.com/resview2?id=1778876001300&key=GRP&app=resvlink

CONCERT VENUE

Saturday, September 5 at 8pm *ONLY*

Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium

2455 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20059

Howard University’s Cramton Auditorium 2455 6th St NW, Washington, DC 20059

This year’s concert production, SUNU GAAL (OUR BOAT):

SUNU GAAL is taken from the Wolof language, the primary language spoken in Senegal, West Africa. SUNU means "our" and GAAL means "boat". “Our Boat” speaks to the collective unity between the Lebou, Serer, and Walo-Walo. They live together, work together, and have long enjoyed a tight-knit community of shared family values. One of the underlying factors that facilitates the cultural unity of this alliance is the Sabar, the cultural heartbeat of Senegalese life. Sabar refers to the national dance of Senegal and the drum that accompanies it. These rhythms and dances, passed down through generations, are historical records, capturing the essence of events, emotions, and communal experiences. This traditional dance reflects the spiritual culture of Senegal and embodies resilience, celebration, and shared histories.

Concert tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite and at the following locations:

• Dance Exchange (KanKouran Administration)

7117 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park, MD 20912

(Mon-Weds 7:30 pm - 9 pm + Saturdays 12 pm-3 pm)

Available at Dance Exchange until Thursday, September 3

• Onsite Conference Location ( KanKouran Administration)

Washington Marriott Capitol Hill 175 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20002

Available Friday, September 4 - Saturday, September 5 until 5 p.m

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE OUTLETS LISTED BELOW UNTIL SHOW TIME!!!

• Blue Nile Botanicals | 2826 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001

202-232-3535 (During Regular Business Hours)

• Senbeb Natural Foods | 6224 3rd Street NW, Washington, DC 20011

202-723-5566 (During Regular Business Hours)

• Sankofa Video Books & Cafe | 2714 Georgia Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001

202-234-4755 (During Regular Business Hours)

KanKouran's 43rd Annual National Dance and Drum Conference

Experience three days of master dance and drum classes led by world-renowned Master Artists from Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Liberia, Ivory Coast, and the Congo—offering traditional instruction passed down through generations. Open to all levels, the conference is a dynamic gathering of dancers, drummers, and culture bearers from around the globe.

2026 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE (PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

WORKSHOPS (ONE PRICE AT THE DOOR): $25.00 PER CLASS

Workshop Instructors & Guest Artists: This year’s conference welcomes an extraordinary lineup of Master Artists and guest instructors, including: Mabiba Baegne, Fode Bangoura, Mariama Basse, Marie Basse-Wiles, Fode Camara, Mouminatou Camara, Idy Ciss, Barrakissa Coulibaly, Abdoulaye Diop, Naomi Diouf, Madiou Diouf, Ibrahima Diouf, Alioune Faye, Medoune Yacine Gueye, Brehim “Brigo” Gueye, Youssouf Koumbassa, Cheikh N’Dong, Awa Pikine, Djeneba Sako, Magatte Sow, Balla Sy, Aboubacar Soumah, and KanKouran’s Musical Director - Papa Assane M’Baye

✨ What to Expect:

• Over 20 Master Classes led by internationally recognized Master Teachers
• A welcoming environment for all levels: from beginners to professionals
• Cultural immersion through dance, drum, and dialogue
• Vibrant vendor market featuring African clothing, instruments, art, and more
• Networking and fellowship with artists, educators, and cultural practitioners
• An interactive, fun cultural exchange that connects movement to rhythm!