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92 Bowery St., NY 10013

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Team
Home Team Amadou Kienou

Amadou Kienou

Co-Founder and Board Adviser
As Co-Founder and Board Adviser of Kantiono Foundation, Amadou Kiénou plays a pivotal role in shaping the vision and impact of the Kantiono Foundation. His unique blend of cultural expertise, international experience, and community engagement strengthens every aspect of the organization’s mission. A globally recognized master percussionist and cultural ambassador, Amadou infuses the foundation’s programs with authentic African heritage, using art as a powerful tool for education and social inclusion. His extensive experience coordinating projects across Africa, Europe, and North America enables him to design and oversee cross-border initiatives that align with the foundation’s commitment to supporting education in Canada, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. Through his strong presence in Canadian schools and cultural institutions, Amadou fosters partnerships for fundraising and awareness campaigns, connecting diverse communities to the foundation’s goals. His humanitarian vision and advocacy for youth empowerment ensure that equity and access remain at the heart of the foundation’s work. Additionally, his global network of artists and organizations provides strategic opportunities for sponsorships, cultural exchange programs, and international visibility—making Amadou an indispensable force in driving sustainable impact.

About Amadou Kienou

Amadou Kiénou is a celebrated Burkinabé dancer, master percussionist, singer-songwriter, and cultural ambassador, born in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, into a distinguished family of Dafing griots. The seventh son of the renowned Baba Kiénou, Amadou was immersed in music from early childhood while also excelling in athletics at the National Institute of Youth and Sports. His passion for rhythm and movement ultimately led him to dedicate his life to music and dance.

Amadou is a virtuoso of traditional West African instruments, including the djembe, balafon, doundoun, tama, and n’goni. His professional journey began in 1986 as lead soloist of the Instrumental Ensemble of Burkina Faso. He later joined Moussognouma Kouyate’s Wamde Company (1988) and became principal percussionist with Désiré Bonogo’s Artistic Ensemble (1989). Between 1992 and 1994, he composed music for contemporary dance under choreographer Lassane Congo, blending traditional rhythms with modern artistic expression.

Ambassador of the African Culture

Amadou Kienou is widely recognized for his role as a cultural educator and ambassador. In Canada, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area, he has led interactive drumming workshops in schools, museums, and community centers, including the Aga Khan Museum, McMichael Canadian Art Collection, and PAMA. His programs—such as AfroRhythms – Dance & Percussions Africaines—introduce participants to the language of the djembe and the storytelling power of rhythm, fostering intercultural understanding and inclusion. He has also conducted workshops across Europe, Africa, and North America, inspiring educators to integrate African drumming into curricula and promoting cultural appreciation worldwide.

Humanitarian Work & Community Engagement

Beyond performance, Amadou uses music as a tool for social change. He collaborates with organizations like African Women Acting, supporting initiatives that address racism, homelessness, and gender-based violence through art. His outreach programs empower youth and marginalized communities, using rhythm and dance to build confidence, celebrate heritage, and promote social cohesion.

Recognition & Philosophy

Amadou’s contributions have earned him international acclaim. He received the Best African Artist Award at FESPACO in 2011 and two Kilimandjaro Music Awards in 2017. Known as the “Drum Master of Burkina Faso,” he continues to captivate audiences worldwide, from major festivals to educational institutions, leaving an indelible mark on global music and cultural exchange.