Njacko Backo & Kalimba

Njacko was born in Cameroon and raised in the hills in a small village called Bazou, which means "the walkers". Njacko began playing percussion and making instruments at age three. He descends from a family with strong musical traditions. His Grandfather and Father were respected Kalimba (thumb piano) players. His Mother is a singer, dancer and percussionist. From a culture of strong traditional dancers, his Grandmother was known as the "Queen of Nkoua", a traditional, authentic women's dance. With her assistance he met the elders of the village who taught him to play music starting with the hand drum, kalimba and African harp.

He left home at the age of 17 years and traveled through many African countries to further his musical knowledge. Njacko produced two albums, "Le Destin", a cry of hope, and "Bamileke", which pays homage to his people while in Holland. While in Europe he worked as a dancer, choreographer and percussionist. He worked with the group Africa Salimata, a creation of Salimata Diabate of the National Ballet of Guinea. He also choreographed for Mioso Mika of Surinam.

In 1989 Njacko moved to Montreal with his family and started working with many African musicians and dancers such as Boubacar Diabate, Yaya Diallo, the Guinean Oumar Diaye and Congolese dancer, Zab Maboungo. During the same period Njacko recorded three new albums, "Nkoni", "Resurrection" and "Lode Yeuk". In 1998 Njacko created the group Kalimba, named in honor of his favorite instrument. In 1999 Music Africa's prestigious Toronto African Music Awards presented Njacko & Kalimba with the award for the Best Traditional Group.

He has recorded "Kakoua" (Do not cry) and three educational albums for those who want to learn African percussion, "Toum Kak" Volumes 1, 2, 3. Njacko has taught ongoing drum circles in Toronto, Guelph, Amsterdam and Montreal and performs with his students at various drumming festivals. He offers beginner and advanced drumming classes at his studio. Njacko is currently recording a new album to be titled "La Conscience Africaines".

Njacko Backo & Kalimba will perform at Afrofest on Sunday July 6th.