As drummers we are always hearing about our connection to Africa, and how the roots of what we do as drummers ultimately leads back to Africa. The African connection to drumming has been emphasized by popular drummers from Art Blakey to Ginger Baker, to Stewart Copeland making pilgrimages (of sorts) to Africa to speak and play with, and learn from, African tribal drummers. However, in the 50-year history of Modern Drummer, there have never been any interviews with any African tribal drummers, until now. In 1992, I first heard the recording Djabote by Senegalese Master Drummer, composer, and bandleader Doudou N’Diaye Rose. He was the recognized living, modern master of Senegalese musical (and cultural) tradition called Sabar. Rose was one of the most revered and respected African drummers in modern history. He was the Senegalese Buddy Rich, Max Roach, Ringo Starr, Papa Jo Jones, John Bonham, and Baby Dodds all […]

February 2026 Issue