Ndiouga Sarr was born in Bambay, Sénégal in West Africa and has lived in Québec since 1981. He is a storyteller and actor, as well as a musician and a composer. In Canada he has been involved in performances and workshops in a diversity of artistic disciplines including music, song and dance. He has appeared in a number of theatrical productions in Québec including

Tel père, telle paire, Métamorphose, Tristan and Iseult and Harrison Fish.

He has toured with a variety of world music groups including Kumba, Madjigen, N'Dadje, and Ki-Taaru all of whom explore music from a variety of traditional backgrounds in a contemporary multi-ethnic milieu.

The Canada Council for the Arts has recognized his work through supporting his research into the artistic traditions of the many ethnic groups in Sénégal. Most recently he has been working with Diori Sine which brings together both ancient and modern music.

In schools Ndiouga offers both concerts and workshops. He introduces students to Africa through integrating the stories of his oral tradition with music and dance. His intention is to stimulate an interest in African culture, widen cultural horizons and open a door for students to look at the world in a new way. Gaining some understanding of African culture is important for all students, as Canadians who have their roots in Africa are an important part of this county's rich cultural heritage.

Each presentation includes

• West African stories

• Songs and rhythms of West Africa

• An introduction to some West African dance

• Information about West African musical instruments

• West African poetry written originally in French

• Information about every day life in West Africa

Length of Workshop: 45-60 min.

Location Classroom or library

Length of Performance: 45 min.

Location Auditorium or gymnasium