About Us
Faculty Members
Fodé Sylla
West African Drums
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.
He was recognized for his talents in 2007 and recruited to perform in the United States with UniverSoul Circus, America’s premiere multicultural circus. He 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.
In 2022 he performed 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.
Fodé loves his craft, encourages his students to “be your authentic self” (Mashugee) and creates community wherever he goes. He 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 excited to work with CSM students. As he often says WONTANARA “we are together”. Mashugee!