Martin Klabunde has traveled and studied extensively for the past 18 years with traditional drum masters in East and West Africa. He is a Certified Professor for Mamady Keitas Tam Tam Mandengue International School of the Djembe and is an advanced student of a master healer from Mexico, who has taught Martin the ancient rites of Portal Drumming and Healing Ceremonies.

Martins patience, experience and strong communication skills make him an excellent teacher and mentor. He is the director of The Dambe Project and Kalumba (www.kalumba.org), in which he conducts community workshops and school residencies in Tucson, Arizona.

Starting his musical education at the age of 5, by the time Kinobe was 10 he was touring with musical groups throughout Africa and Europe. During that time he visited, played and studied with musicians from almost every African country. He has studied the Kora in Mali with Toumani Diabate and stayed at Baaba Maal\'s home in Senegal sharing music with him. He has played alongside African stars such as Youssou N’dour, Salif Keita, Angelique Kidjo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Toumani Diabate, Baaba Maal, Ismael Lo, and Femi Kuti. He has also led music and percussion workshops in Europe, North and South America and Asia.

www.nomadroots.com

"When I began to make music, I never looked at it commercially, I looked at it as a language born in me; to live and grow in me, with me. And my desire to discover more grows more through traveling and exchange, I have seen and tasted the beauty of life through this soul language which unites the world.

I also believe in spiritual healing and for me music plays a big role in this powerful activity. Sometimes people can dance to my music, but I feel strong and deep when they feel the spiritual powers from it, through silence, tears and more because I love playing it right to the heart."