Honoring, preserving and sharing the music & dance traditions of Africa
Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Reaching people worldwide
Through immersive education and celebration, Soriba fosters healing, cultural awareness and connection.
Soriba serves adults & youth in communities across the US & internationally with special events, celebrations and educational cultural programs.
Community Classes
WEST AFRICAN DANCE CLASS
Wednesdays 6:30pm-7:45pm $20
The Railyard Performance Center:
1611 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM
Learn and develop core techniques and principles of West African dance with live drummers.
All levels welcome!
WEST AFRICAN DRUM CLASS
Thursdays 6pm $20: Classes will resume soon
Location TBD.
Learn traditional rhythms and songs from Guinea. Choose between Djembe, Dundun, Sangban and Kinkini drums.
All levels welcome!
N’GONI & DUNDUN CLASSES
Private or group classes in N'goni and song are available on request.
Dundun Dance workshops are offered seasonally.
All levels welcome!
Please contact us for information.
Have a question about our classes?
Please reach out.
Wassa Drum & Dance Ensemble
Founded by Soriba Fofana from Guinea, West Africa, and created from the artist's life work as a musician in the city of Conakry.
The ensemble captures the spirit of Guinean dance and music culture.
Melodies and stories intertwine with the stringed n’goni.
Djembe rhythms call in the dancers, and acrobats take flight in a display of pure expressive energy.
If you’re interested in performance, please contact us.
“Wassa Wassa!” is a call to come together in joyful celebration
WASSA WASSA African Dance & Drum Festival
September 10-13, 2026
Wassa Wassa African Dance and Drum Festival is a three-day festival held each September in the heart of Santa Fe, New Mexico’s community Railyard district.
The Festival brings together master artists of drumming and dance from countries such as Guinea, Haiti and Zimbabwe, and offers high quality teaching to the local community as well as to students traveling in from other states.
A Saturday evening performance, open to the public, showcases the artists and gives the opportunity for the wider community to experience the unity and joy expressed through this art form.
The aim of the festival is to share this happiness, support the traditional arts of Africa, and educate through the interchange of one another’s culture.
Music and dance offers an avenue for non-verbal communication which bridges any divide and paves the way for dialogue to proceed.
If you’re interested in more information about the festival, please contact us or visit our Facebook page.
“Wontanara” is a commonly used word in the Susu language from Guinea, which describes the spirit of the festival: “We are together”
About Soriba
Ibrahima “Soriba” Fofana was born and raised in the vibrant city of Conakry, located in Guinea, West Africa where he was immersed in the rich cultural tapestry of drummers, dancers, and musicians.
His early experiences were shaped by the ancient Manding music of his homeland, where he studied under the guidance of his esteemed mentors, mastering the djembe and dundun drums, traditional songs and music.
In 2009, Soriba made the transformative journey to the United States, where he has since dedicated himself to teaching and performing throughout the US and internationally.
Soriba strives to preserve and revitalise the rich musical heritage of Guinea.
His performances are not just artistic expressions; they are a celebration of life, community, and the enduring power of music to connect people across different backgrounds. Soriba continues to honour the legacy of his ancestors while inspiring future generations.
Guinea Cultural Journey
March 22 - April 19, 2026
Join Soriba in Guinea, West Africa for a cultural journey into the music and dance of West Africa.
Study with accomplished dancers and drummers with the option to study other instruments such as kora, n’goni, balafon and song. Learn African cuisine and the local Susu language with family and friends.
Workshop includes accommodation, food, dance and drum classes 5 days a week and transportation to workshop-related events.
Relax, visit waterfalls, beaches and local markets during the weekend, participate in local Dundunbas and Celebrations.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner includes fresh fruits and vegetables, traditional sauces, rice and fish.
Dundunba celebration in Conakry, the capital of Guinea
Community Outreach
Classes and workshops are offered in elementary and high schools, colleges and universities.
Dance and music-centered schools, Black History Month events, Juneteenth celebrations and classes for special needs communities.
Soriba proudly works with community and professional leaders from a variety of backgrounds.
Please contact him for more details.
Contact
Follow Soriba:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, our classes are for people of all ages and levels of experience.
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The Railyard Performance Center: 1611 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe, NM, 87501.
Dance class: Wednesdays 6:30pm to 7:45pm. Drum classes will resume soon (as of winter 2026).
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Yes, please reach out via our contact form with as much information about the time, place and nature of the event you would like us to perform or teach at.
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Yes, Soriba travels to all states within the US and internationally. If you’re interested, please contact us to schedule booking.
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Yes, it is for anyone with an interest in African culture, not only dance and music.
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Please check out the information under Wassa Wassa Dance & Drum Festival and use the contact form for any additional information you would like to know. We will also have an event page on Facebook which is updated regularly.
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There is no online or pre-registration— just show up 15 minutes on the day of the festival before your class to register and pay at the door.
