Risenga Makondo

South African Percussionist, Dancer, Choreographer and Educator

WORKSHOP LEADER/ARTIST RESIDENCIES

Risenga has led workshops in schools, colleges, universities and in the community for over 20 years. He works with people of all ages, with and without special needs. He specialises in South and West African, Brazilian and Cuban music and has collaborated with musicians from a wide range of genres. His educational work includes being a visiting tutor at the Universities of Brighton and Surrey, workshops for WOMAD Foundation in UK and around the world, Kent County Council’s Festival for Schools, Artability South East, West Sussex County Council. He co-founded Brighton and Hove School of Samba as part of New Deal for Communities initiative. He is a state registered music therapist. He also trains teachers and music therapists in African music and dance.

PERFORMANCE/CHOREOGRAPHY

Percussionist/founder member Alan Skidmore’s UBIZO and percussionist with South African group AMAMPONDO. Producer of SOTHO SOUNDS for WOMAD Foundation and solo artist, Formerly, assistant mestre, London School of Samba, artistic director Brighton & Hove School of Samba, artistic director, choreographer/performer, JOBURG STREETS, created for Edinburgh Festival 1997 and toured, artistic director, choreographer/performer, MASHANGO, a company formed to train black British artists in African music and dance, funded by the Arts Council and South East Arts.

Contact

Email: risengamakondo@yahoo.co.uk