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Drumroots are a diverse group of individuals with a common passion for music, rhythm and the rediscovery of its social and spiritual importance in modern society.
Members of the performance troupe Tanante have a lifetime commitment to West African drumming and train with master drummers in Africa. Tanante studied throughout 2007 with Seckou Keita (supported by The Arts Council) and in Sangbaralla, Guinea (the home village of Famoudou Konate) in 2008.
Since 2009 Tanante have been are blessed to have long-term opportunities to work with Uk resident master drummers, including Iya Sako and Nansady Keita. For more details please visit our "Teachers" page...  Simon McCarthy founded 'Tanante' together with James Brown in 2004 after retuning from a trip to Burkina Faso. He is also a founding member of Drumroots.
Having graduated at Salford University (BA Popular Music & Recording) in 2001, He has since spent over 2 years travelling in Africa researching it's music and traditions. He has completed several intensive training stints with Master Drummers in The Gambia, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Senegal.
Simon is a versatile musician (Guitar, Bass, Vocals, Djembe, Dunduns and more recently Kora). He delivers workshops and offers private tuition. He is a very skilled drum maker and runs drumroots skin/repair team together with Jamie. He has also managed performance bookings since the inception of Tanante.
Simon was a member of djinambori 2001-2004 (the non traditional drumming group which came before Tanante) together with James Brown, David Bell and Jamie Riley.
In 2007, inspired by living in mud huts in Africa, Simon built a 12 foot 'Ger' (commonly know as a 'Yurt') which the band took on tour that summer. He has since gone on to design and build a 16 foot Ger and a 10m square Bedoin Tent. This year he has founded 'Amazing Yurts' a family run business providing yurt holidays and structures for hire at events.
 Jamie Riley is a skilled drummer with over 6 years performance experience. He has completed intense training in Gambia with a Master Drummer and also trained in Guinea.
Jamie is noted for his passion and natural skill in facilitating workshops, especially for children and adults with mental health issues.
Jamie is also a founding member of Drumroots. He is a respected drum maker and manages the Drumroots drum skin/repair team.
Jamie was also a member of djinambori.
 John Tullo (Beej) studied with a community drumming group in New Zealand and has since studied with Master drummers in Guinea and The Gambia.
Beej joined Tanante in 2004 and is a high energy and charasmatic djembe and dun dun player. In 2008, he became involved with Drumroots, and manages our website and publicity, as well as supporting workshops.
 Joanna Huddart studied Tabla and established a community samba band before joining Tanante in 2005. She has trained with Master Drummers in Senegal, Gambia and Guinea, a steady player with a passion for dunduns.
Joanna is a founding member of Drumroots. She manages Bookings, Projects and Accounts and also co-founded the Women's Drumcircle in 2006.
As a person centred counsellor and Reiki practitioner, Joanna is interested in the drum as a tool for change and healing.
 Andy Clarke trained with Drumroots advanced workshop band before joining Tanante in 2007.
A powerful djembe/dun dun player, Andy absorbs music at an amazing speed! He previously studied with Master Drummers in Senegal and The Gambia.
With experience in youth work, and current studies (Diploma in Counselling) Andy contiues to develop his interest in music therapy.
 Tess Clarke is our most recent member, joining in 2008, and helps balance the male-female ratio in the band!
Tess trained with the Drumroots advanced workshop band, then became involved with the Drumroots women's drumcircle, which she now co-facilitates.
Tess has supported our evening djembe class as a dun dun fola for several years and brings her own blend of magic to the group.
 Ibrahima Sagna (Sens) is a professional
West African dancer and experienced teacher
from Senegal, bringing much fire to his work!
He teaches Manchester's lively drop in dance class, supported by live drumming from Tanante, every Tuesday at Union Chapel (see the 'dance class' page for more details).
Sens performs with Tanante as a singer and dancer and works with many respected resident African artists across the UK.
IN MEMORY
James Brown (1979-2008)
James Brown was a founding member of Tanante and Drumroots. James contracted cerebral malaria during our overland trip to Guinea in February 2008 and died a week later. We miss James as an inspirational musician, teacher and friend. Please visit his biography page, James Brown
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