PENCHMI: AFRICAN DRUM + DANCE PORTAL @ NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL

Dembis Thioung invites you to 

PENCHMI: AFRICAN DRUM + DANCE + CHANT PORTAL 

SPECIAL EDITION: CARNIVAL NOTTING HILL

Experience the vibrant explosion of culture, music, and dance at the Notting Hill Carnival, where the streets of London transform into a dazzling celebration of African Caribbean heritage and joy! Actively participate drumming and dancing traditional & newly created African rhythms in a percussion ensemble lead by DEMBIS THIOUNG. 

Special guest: MOULAYE DIALLO as SIMBA, The Lion of Senegal joining us on Monday 26th August 

Dates: Sunday 25th & Monday 26th August from 10am to 7pm

Location: Notting Hill (W10) exact location to be confirmed on booking. 

Those that require a drum will have to meet up Dembis at the alternative meet up point at 10am where drums are stored near Ladbroke Grove station and is walking distance to the final location. Contact us via email  (dembis.thioung@gmail.com) or whatsapp (07786005306) if you havent received the PDF with the location links.  

Energy exchange: £11.11/ each day (make sure you book for the day you want to attend).

What to bring: bring a stool, nourishing food to share, warm & comfortable clothing and happiness always. 

Drums: a limited number of drums will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their own instruments. Advance Booking: To ensure a drum is available for everyone who needs one, please book your tickets in advance by Saturday 24th August at 10am. 

WHAT IS PENCHMI?

The word Penchmi ( in Senegalese Wolof is written “Penthmi)” is the word we use to describe the gathering of the ancestors, timeless/spaceless, as well as the gathering of the elders of the traditional Senegalese villages, in the center of the community under a baobab tree, to discuss all matters of life, freedom and peace, but most of all to remind us of the LOVE and RESPECT shared amongst each other. 

These sessions are lead by the Senegalese most respected cultural value, the “Teranga”: the act to host, share and support each other always in happiness. Its core virtue is to measure wealth and abundance not for how much we have, but for how much we share and give to others. The “teranga” it’s the essence of the Senegalese culture.

Through ancestral and magical rhythmic keys, Dembis opens energetic portals, inviting participants to connect with themselves and each other. Under his guidance, they express freely through sound and movement, guided by the wisdom of the spirit of the drums.

WHO IS DEMBIS THIOUNG? 

Dembis Thioung, a mesmerizing master of the West African dundun drums, Griot by blood and Bayefall at heart, serves as the gatekeeper of these conscious drum, dance, and chant gatherings. Penchmi.

Born and raised in Dakar, West Africa, within a Serer Griot family, Dembis Thioung inherited his mother's rich cultural heritage and his father's Peul/Fula Laube traditions. He was introduced to traditional and contemporary Senegalese music from a very young age, learning the art of drumming and dance.

Dembis is recognized as a skilled percussionist, specializing in Dundun, Djembe, Sabar, and Asico drums. He proudly identifies with the Senegalese Baye Fall Brotherhood, carrying forward the teachings of Cheikh Ahamdou Bamba, spiritual leader of a powerful nonviolent revolution.

Dembis is the founder of Penchmi Drum + Dance Portals, Bene Tally Band & Friends, a collective of artists dedicated to bringing the magical rhythms and spirit of Africa to the world. He also performs as a solo act in the Griot + Bayefall Drum Blessing, enchanting audiences at venues such as Soho House, Jamboree, Peckham Levels, Dalston Curve Gardens, and soon at Café Oto Dalston.

WHO IS MOULAYE DIALLO, SIMBA THE LION OF SENEGAL?

In Senegalese culture, the role of Simba, often known as the "Lion Dance," is a captivating blend of strength, tradition, and community spirit. Simba performers embody the majestic lion, symbolizing bravery, protection, and leadership. Through powerful sabar drumming, traditional dance, and fierce costumes, the Simba tradition celebrates the rich heritage of Senegal, bringing communities together in a rhythmic display of cultural pride and ancestral reverence.

Moulaye Diallo, the ‘Lion of Senegal, Simb’, is a well-known professional dancer, choreographer and musician in his country of origin, Senegal. Moulaye’s extensive experience of performances over many years include the traditional Lion Dance Simb, which includes the arts of acrobatics, fire-eating, broken glass dancing and nail dancing. He has learned these rituals from the artist Carounga, an elder from the Gambia. Moulaye is the President of the Association Ballet Lion of Senegal Simb. His dream is to share Senegalese culture with the rest of the world and contribute to friendship and respect of all people. Moulaye says: “With my dance I want to contribute to peace, love and respect among all people. I believe in the friendship and equality of all humanity”.