Sanu Basu

16 Apr Sanu Basu

Born and raised in Washington, DC, Sanu Basu has studied West African percussion and culture since the age of 2 and has been performing professionally for nearly 24 years.

Initially introduced to West African drumming through studying with Senegalese Master Drummer, Medoune Gueye, Sanu studied the teachings, traditions, and styles of Senegalese music. Following that, he began studying the musical traditions of other West African countries including Mali, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, with a heavy emphasis on Guinea, by way of Mahiri Keita Edwards. Through studying with Mahiri, Sanu joined Farafina Kan West African Dance Company and expanded his journey as a professional musician.

Since then, Sanu has gone on to perform with national companies, such as Kankouran West African Dance Company, Diamano Coura, and Bandan Koro, among many others. He has performed at international festivals such as the Etna Afro Festival in Italy and at the Yaama Yigui Festival in France. He has also performed on renowned stages such as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Brooklyn Academy of Music and Barclays Center for the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards. Along with these notable venues, Sanu has also graced the stage with Malian artist Oumou Sangaré and has performed alongside the National Ballet of Senegal in Dakar, Senegal.

Sanu continues to be an ambassador and student of West African music and tradition working to expand his knowledge, cultivate his musicianship and evolve as a teacher.