Toubab Krewe

Toubab Krewe is an American instrumental band which fuses the music of Mali with American musical styles (particularly those of the Southern United States). The group's instrumentation includes kora (21-string harp-lute), kamelengoni (12-string harp-lute), soku (Malian horsehair fiddle), two electric guitars, electric bass guitar, drum set, and African percussion. The group, which is based in Asheville, North Carolina, was founded in early 2005 and has traveled to West Africa several times, working with local musicians. The band released their self-titled debut album in 2005, which was recorded by Steven Heller at Upstream Records in Asheville, North Carolina. The band released their second album "TK2" on September 7, 2010 on the Nat Geo Music label. It was produced by Steven Heller.[1]

Toubab Krewe performing in 2007

In several West African languages, including Bambara and Wolof, Toubab means "foreigner." "Krewe" is a reference to the New Orleans region's spelling of the word "Crew."

Their lone television work was the main titles for the PBS series "Milk Street Television" hosted by Christopher Kimball, formerly of America's Test Kitchen.

Members
  • Teal Brown - drum set (2005-2011)
  • Vic Stafford - drum set (2011)
  • Drew Heller - electric guitar and soku
  • Justin Perkins - kora, kamelengoni, and electric guitar
  • David Pransky - electric bass guitar (2005-2013)
  • Justin Kimmel - electric bass
  • Luke Quaranta - percussion
  • Terrence Houston - drum set

Toubab Krewe Music School

As of 2013, the band is donating between fifty cents and one dollar on every ticket sold for their concerts to Instruments 4 Africa, a 501(c) organization. These donations will specifically go to build a music school in the Bamako, Mali area. The school will be headed by their teacher, Lamine Soumano.[2]

Notes
  1. Toubab Krewe Official Website (accessed 2014-3-7)
  2. instruments4africa 501c-3 "Toubab Krewe Music School", Retrieved on 24 of June 2013
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