Born in West Africa, Sogbety Diomande began his drumming career in a village called Toufinga on the Ivory Coast. His artistic career began at an early age when he toured with Ballet National de Cote d'Ivoire and other dance groups. Diomande moved to the United States in 1997, settling in Mansfield, Ohio after a brief stay in New York City. He has since performed with dance companies such as the Mask Dance Company, Company Kobake, Djoniba Dance Company, Kotchenga Dance Company, and a Guinean dance company called Tokounou. In 2000, Diomande was the lead djembe drummer on Jimmy Buffett's No Passport Required tour. Diomande also runs a weekly drum circle in Mansfield. Through teaching and outreach to Ohio schools (he is part of the Greater Columbus Arts Council's Artist-in-Schools program), Diomande hopes to spread awareness about African cultures and diversity. To this end, he started his own festival called Sogbety Diomande's Annual West African Celebration, which brings drummers and dancers together for a three day celebration.
Sogbety Diomande's Traditions episode.
Sogbety Diomande's personal website.
Contents of Collection
- Live performances
- Images of Diomande performing in small group settings at schools
- Images of stage performances