Weedie Braimah

Biography

Weedie Braimah is widely regarded as the premiere voice of the Djembe. Born in Ghana and raised in East St. Louis with deep roots in New Orleans, he was first introduced to West African culture and drumming and began performing at age 2. Braimah continued his lifelong quest and professional career in the study of African folklore and cultural music of the African diaspora. As Offbeat Magazine noted, his “skill at adapting to an array of styles” has made him an original and in-demand talent.

Currently, the Grammy-nominated Djembefola records and tours with Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah, Baaba Maal, Trombone Shorty, and Bokante, as well as others. Braimah also leads his own band, Weedie Braimah & The Hands of Time, through which he elevates percussion as the front-facing music of the diaspora focusing on instruments such as kora, ngoni, balafon, djembe, dunun, tama, sabar, bass, and electric guitar to create a compelling Stretch Music sound to claim new musical territory.

At Oberlin, Braimah teaches the Djembe Orchestra and assists in West African Dance classes. He seeks to increase recognition of folkloric West African music as relevant, respected and as the essential root of Jazz, funk, fusion, global music, and hip-hop.