Tony Romano
Jazz guitarist
Guitarist Tony Romano has been a prominent figure in the New York City music scene for over 20 years, known for his beautiful tone and remarkable technique.
He has performed and recorded with jazz, Latin, pop, and Broadway artists like Randy Brecker, Joe Locke, Michael Feinstein, Joe Bataan, Yomo Toro, and Debbie Gibson. Tony's guitar work appears in the BBC series 3rd & Bird, the Discovery Channel miniseries Going, Going, Gone!, and NPR broadcasts.
He is an adjunct professor at Five Towns College and has taught at Queens College and the National Guitar Workshop.
Irene Koloseus
Tap dancer, balafonist
Irene Koloseus, born in Austria, is a dancer, choreographer, percussionist and educator. Irene founded the award-winning Brooklyn based touring company, Feraba-African Rhythm Tap in 1996 and is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Sunshine Award and Jubilation Foundation.
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Irene has been a teaching artist for more than 25 years and is a faculty member of Third Street Music School, Young Audiences, Brooklyn Arts Council, Arts Horizons and many more. She has designed curriculum-based movement and music residencies for students of all ages and abilities and has also conducted staff development programs for educators.
Andy Algire
Balafon, traditional West African Percussion, drum set
Andy Algire is a percussionist, composer, performer and educator based in New York. His formal musical training began in 1990 as a Percussion Performance Major at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. He has dedicated many years to the study of traditional balafon music from Guinea, West Africa. Andy’s cross-cultural compositions draw inspiration from the repertoire of the balafon as well as from his background in jazz. He is a faculty member at Sarah Lawrence College and leads percussion classes and residencies in NYC and the surrounding region.
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He is a member of several New York-based groups including Kakande, Mandingo Ambassadors, Feraba and Drum Cafe.
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Boubacar Diabate
Percussion
Aboubacar Diabate is a master drummer from Ivory Coast, currently based in New York. With over 25 years of experience, he has toured internationally, performing at venues like Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the United Nations.
A key performer with the Feraba-African Rhythm Tap Company, he also collaborates with local NYC groups and serves as a musician and educator at Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Columbia University. Aboubacar has shared the stage with renowned musicians including Salif Keita, Oumou Sangaré, Toumani Diabaté. Known for blending traditional West African rhythms with modern influences, Aboubacar is dedicated to cultural preservation and remains a prominent figure in New York's music scene.
Niko Koloseus
drum set
Brooklyn-born Niko Diarra-Koloseus is a versatile musician, composer, sound engineer and educator with deep roots in West African traditions. A master of instruments like the balafon, djembe, and krin, Niko has performed with groups like DUEFUNK, Feraba-ART, and the Balafon Quartet, including a highlight at the 2024 International Festival in Harlem.
He teaches West African percussion through workshops in schools, libraries, and community centers, and has collaborated with artists across genres, including award-winning Afrobeat composerJames Numbere, K.I.N, and Ian Wex. Niko continues to bridge cultures and enrich NYC's music scene while preserving his heritage.
Rade Bema
Rade Bema MgbassÂ
bass player, singer, guitarist
David is originally from Madagascar. He has performed with many great artists including Azouhouni Adou, Olutosin Arib, and BeMaeva.