Oumar Keita

Bio for Oumar Keita

A native of Guinea, West Africa, Oumar Keita is known for his extensive knowledge of music and history. Oumar showed an interest in traditional music and began singing at an early age with his mother.  He plays traditional instruments like the bolon, gnoni and gongoma to accompany his singing. Although his focus is on traditional music, he also enjoys modern music. Oumar is proud to be multilingual and can rap and sing in Malinke, Susu and French. 

In Guinea, Oumar was primarily a dundun player in the nationally recognized Ballet Saamato and Wofa Percussion in Conakry. Ballet Saamato gave Oumar the opportunity to share his country’s rich cultural tradition of music and dance with children in small villages throughout Guinea. This included working with the orphanage SOS to integrate art into their education. He continues sharing his culture in Missoula through SPARK!, school programs for children with disabilities, workshops and performances in the community. He is an active member of the community dance and drum group Djebe Bara.

Oumar has two young daughters and has lived in Missoula since September 2, 2016.