As the grand finale of the first night of PVDFest, master percussionist Sidy Maiga with The Bridge Where We Meet will bring the pulse of West African fusion to the City Hall Stage. Their explosive rhythms and vibrant sound will leave the audience buzzing!
Sidy Maïga began drumming with master djembefolas as a teen in his native Mali, refining his voice in this ancestral cultural tradition. Sidy was a quick study and began touring professionally with well-known national acts such as the Troupe Artistique de Bamako and the Fakoli Percussion Troupe.
Since moving to Rhode Island in 2006, Sidy has become a regular on the local music scene. He is beloved in the community not only for his traditional Malian music, but also for his seamless blending of Latin, blues, and Brazilian drumming traditions—even accompanying house music DJs! His talent and passion have taken him throughout New England and around the world.
Since 2009, Sidy has celebrated the roots of African music by producing the West African Dance and Drum Festival: Afrika Nyaga. A premiere festival in Providence, Rhode Island, this annual event brings together both local and international musicians and dancers to perform in the Ocean State.
In January 2011, Sidy recorded and released his first album, Malidén, and was awarded the prestigious MacColl-Johnson Fellowship in 2012. He has also received numerous grants and fellowships from RISCA.
In 2014, he recorded and released his second album, Africa United, which features musicians from around the globe, including Grammy Award winner Oumou Sangaré. On this album, Sidy approaches traditional African styles from a position of global celebration.
Pursuing higher education, Sidy graduated cum laude from Berklee College of Music in 2020 with a focus in production, business, and arranging.
In addition to performing, Sidy teaches djembe and dundun drumming to students at schools and universities across the country. His work at institutions such as Bradley Hospital and throughout Rhode Island has also demonstrated the therapeutic effects of his practice.
Performers
Sidy Maiga & The Bridge Where We Meet