Recognizing the central role talking drums play in many African cultures, Ludwig Gorensson decided to put it, and Massamba, front-and-center of his Grammy- and Oscar-winning score for Marvel's Black Panther. Massamba recorded the tama used throughout the Black Panther scores. It is the iconic sound of the king T’Challa! During Ludwig’s research, he said “One of the most fascinating instruments to me was the talking drum.” He knew that was the unique and specific sound he needed to identify Wakanda. And Massamba made the vision come alive with his virtuosic playing. Massamba recalls how Ludwig had him watch the film and follow the action with his tama.
Massamba is the featured guest artist for the Black Panther Live in Concert symphony show. In the show, a symphony performs the live score to accompany the film. Massamba has toured the world, playing with most major symphonies, helping them achieve the iconic sound of Black Panther. “Drum master Massamba Diop steals show at SF Symphony’s thrilling ‘Black Panther’” (Taila Lee - DailyCal, 2023).
“Drum master Massamba Diop steals show at SF Symphony’s thrilling ‘Black Panther’”
Read more ...“Diop is an ebullient show unto himself.”
Read more ...“Everything he does are all those themes, capturing the spirit of “Black Panther.” (Terell Johnson, Executive Director, Chicago Philharmonic)”
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