ARTISTS
Harbour Concerts
Kodo Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble
Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum, the taiko, Kodo is forging new directions for a vibrant living art-form. Since the group’s debut at the Berlin Festival in 1981, Kodo has given over 7,000 performances on all five continents, spending about a third of the year overseas, a third touring in Japan and a third rehearsing and preparing new material on Sado Island. Kodo strives to both preserve and re-interpret traditional Japanese performing arts. Beyond this, members on tours and research trips all over the globe have brought back to Sado a kaleidoscope of world music and experiences which now exerts a strong influence on the group’s performances and compositions. Collaborations with other artists and composers extend right across the musical spectrum and Kodo’s lack of preconceptions about its music continues to produce startling new fusion and forms.
el tempo
el tempo is a music project that originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Led and conducted by Kavka Shishido in Japan, the group uses over 100 distinct hand signs to create mesmerizing improvised music and performances. Officially recognized by el tempo founder Santiago Vazquez, this ensemble features some of Japan’s leading drummers and percussionists. Together, they captivate audiences with their remarkable way of feeling and capturing the energy unique to that moment and gathering, then harnessing it to create a once-in-a-lifetime jam session. In September 2021, el tempo garnered attention for its performance at the Tokyo Paralympic Games closing ceremony.
Aly Ndiaye Rose
Aly Ndiaye Rose is regarded as one of the greatest living master drummers of Senegalese drumming. Combining deep traditional knowledge with an exceptional understanding of modern styles, Aly is dedicated to carrying forward his father Doudou Ndiaye Rose’s legacy. His teaching abilities play a vital role in preserving his family's rich musical repertoire and ensuring the enduring traditions of Senegalese drumming continue to thrive. The Ndiaye Rose family is celebrated worldwide for its unparalleled contributions to percussion, with generations of drummers who have shaped and defined the art of Senegalese drumming.
Ben Aylon
Ben Aylon is a percussion virtuoso and producer known for his innovative approach to Senegalese drumming. Over the past 15 years, under the mentorship of legendary drummers Doudou Ndiaye Rose and Aly Ndiaye Rose, Ben has developed a distinctive style that elevates traditional drumming with modern performance techniques. His solo act, One Man Tribe, captures the essence of massive Senegalese drum ensembles, transforming it into a powerful ten-piece drum set performance, complemented by his compositions on the xalam, a traditional Senegalese string instrument. Ben’s mission focuses on uniting people from diverse cultures and religions through rhythm, prayer, and collaboration.
Baye Dame Bou Yaye
Baye Dame Bou Yaye, born in Diameguene, Senegal, is a powerful voice in Senegalese Sufi music. A devoted disciple of Cheikh Ibrahim Niasse, his music is deeply rooted in faith and spirituality. After forming his group, Awladi Zikr, Baye Dame gained recognition for his soul-stirring Zikr ceremonies and performances, held across Senegal. His music resonates with listeners throughout West Africa, captivating audiences in Mali, Gambia, and Ivory Coast. Through collaborations with artists from diverse cultures, Baye Dame spreads messages of love, unity, and peace, fostering harmony across religious and cultural divides.
Choi Jaechol
Born in Osaka in 1979 and raised in Tokyo, Choi Jaechol is a 3rd generation Zainichi Korean—Korean living in Japan. His performances are centered around Sol Janggu (solo performances of Korean drums) and span a broad range of music scenes, stretching beyond the boundaries of folk, traditional, and modern music. In 2009, Choi launched Chango Walk, a journey-centered initiative that brings people closer to Japanese and Korean culture. He first collaborated with Kodo in 2023 at the 10th Hoshi no Sato Iwafune Taiko Festa Winter Festival in Osaka, and again at Earth Celebration later that year, taking part in the inaugural Earth Beat Project. Choi has continued to build a strong relationship with Kodo, leading to a rare invitation from Kodo to tour with the ensemble as a guest artist, joining them to create and appear in its Kodo December Concert “Mountains” tour in 2024.
