Teranga Step Group

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Backa Niang, Talla Ngom, Cheikh Ngom, Mouha Seck, and Papa Seck, together, make up the “Teranga Step Group”, who came across the Atlantic ocean to the United States from Dakar and Kaolack, Senegal. The Teranga Step Group began cultivating their talents at the age of five, which is typical when born into the “griot” family of western Africa. A “griot” has a function to keep an oral history of the tribe or village and to entertain with stories, poems, songs, dance, and percussion. Conveying their history is exactly what this group is best at. Sabar dance with sabar drumming has a way of captivating audiences of all backgrounds by creating a magnificent blend of sound and visual appeal. Teranga Step Group has the natural ability of passing on a legacy to newer generations and sabar is just one of many ways they do so. Their name, "Teranga Step Group", was derived from the word “Teranga”, which is Senegal’s legendary reputation of hospitality. These men have already welcomed many others around the globe into their home, Senegal, with their undeniable ability to captivate an audience and tell their story.

Teranga Step’s innate ability and hospitable approach have allowed them to dance and play percussion for many of the well known Senegalese superstars such as: Youssou N’dour, Alioune Mbaye Nder, Pape Diouf, and Cheikh Tahirou Mbaye, to name a few. The Teranga Step Group has traveled around the world with the famous Gambian griot, Djeliba Kouyate. Their travels included places such as: Spain, Norway, France, Portugal, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Sweden, and now the United States. One of their many accomplishments, was the opportunity to establish the Teranga Dance Center in Kaolack, Senegal. It is there, that these men teach others what is takes to dance and drum to authentic sabar rhythms, learn the finest African ballet moves, and even how to collaborate with hip-hop creations.
Papa, Mouha, and Backa have come to share their drumming exptertise while Talla and Cheikh bring their spectacular dance styles to schools and festivals throughout the United States. One vision they have is to reach out and teach school aged children from all sorts of ethnic backgrounds about the differences and similarities between Americans and West Africans and how to promote unity through sharing. The Ancient Meets Urban School Program has enabled Teranga Step to do just that. Recently, the Teranga Step Group was welcomed by the citizens of Massachusetts and New York, where they will teach drum and dance classes. With the dynamic background of this group, their mission to promote Senegalese culture will surely step its way into the homes and hearts of many Americans.

For bookings contact:

[email protected] or 413-204-9086