KanKouran, a U.S. based performing arts company that focuses on West African Dance, was formed in 1983, in Washington, DC, by Executive Artistic Director Assane Konte and former Director of Music, Abdou Kounta, who grew up together in Dakar, Senegal.
After many months of recruiting, training, and performing at local venues, the company presented its first full-length concert, “A Visit to Africa.” The 1985 concert was held on the campus of George Washington University’s Marvin Center marking the beginning of a new cultural institution in Washington, D.C.
KanKouran was founded for the purpose of contributing to the extension of the arts by introducing the essence of traditional African dance to audiences; enriching American cultural heritage through the integration of authentic West African performing arts; and promoting intercultural understanding through education and the performing arts.
The company’s success is perhaps best judged by its longevity and by the large number of company and community members who are involved in diverse academic, professional, and entrepreneurial pursuits, and who credit KanKouran with instilling within them the discipline, pride, and commitment to self and community which have made their life pursuits meaningful as well as successful.
Assane Konte’s lifelong dedication to preserving and sharing Africa’s rich culture through dance and music has made him a goodwill ambassador, promoting cross-cultural appreciation and understanding in the many performance venues in which he and the company have appeared. For his tireless work, innovative choreography, and outstanding contribution to the community, Mr. Konte has been the recipient of several prestigious awards including numerous Outstanding Community Service Awards. In 2019 Assane was awarded a Dance/USA Fellowship to Artists, through the generosity of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (DDCF).
