Denadon (Djembe & Dunun Demo)

Ethnic: Malinké Region: Northeast Guinea
Denadon is played to introduce the Mendiani dancers at Mendiani festivities. Mendiani is a rhythm and dance of the virgins, in Malinke context this refers to young girls aged between 6 to13 years old. During the Mendiani festivity Mendiani dancers, with their traditional costume, would be carried by young men on their shoulder to the centre of the village. Upon arriving, they would be welcomed by the drummers with the rhythm Denadon. The drummers’ rhythm would change to Mendiani the moment the young men lower themselves to let Mendiani dancers’ feet touch the ground.