Sanga of the Valley

With a lifelong connection to rhythm, Sanga of the Valley began playing African drums at an early age and later brought that deep musical foundation to New York City after moving there from Trinidad in 1970. There, he met Babatunde Olatunji and became one of his students, eventually rising to become one of Olatunji’s lead djembe players. For 25 years, Sanga performed as part of Olatunji’s Drums of Passion, helping carry forward a powerful tradition of percussion rooted in heritage and spirit.

Over the course of his career, he has also collaborated with an impressive range of artists, including Carlos Santana, Nina Simone, The Grateful Dead, the Neville Brothers, and Stanley Jordan. His presence brings both history and vitality to every session, offering participants an authentic connection to the energy and tradition of African drumming.