Meet Fodé

Fodé Sylla is a dynamic acrobat, drummer, dancer and performance artist from Conakry, Guinea, West Africa, who specializes in traditional West African drum and dance.

Sylla was recognized for his talents in 2007 and recruited to perform in the United States with UniverSoul Circus, America’s premiere multicultural circus. Sylla thrilled thousands in the U.S. and abroad with his dynamic and explosive acrobatic, breakdancing and aerialist routines. In 2010, he joined Canadian-based circus Cavalia Odysseo and performed at large arenas in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

He currently teaches drumming, dance and acrobatics to students of all ages and skill levels.  He has preformed and taught classes at a variety of locations including University of Oregon, Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, The Oregon Community Foundation, Central Oregon Environmental Center, The Fathers Group, Sisters High School, Oregon Country Fair, Sisters Folk Festival, Bend Film Festival, Deschutes Public Library, City of Eugene, Bend Juneteenth Celebration, Denfinity Studio and Gotta Dance Studio to name a few.   He has taught in France and was on tour with a circus in New York.

Fodé is a professional performer, gifted musician, master drummer, dancer, acrobat, choreographer and a popular teacher with a dedicated family of students.  He loves his craft, encourages his students to “be your authentic self” (Mashugee) and creates community wherever he goes.

Fodé has recently returned to Oregon from 5 months in Guinea where he taught international students and performed with artists from around the world. He is fresh and ready to perform and teach students here in the U.S. As Fode often says  WONTANARA  “we are together.”   Mashugee!