Ndadie Begue

Loosely translated “fun meeting” from the Wolof language, Ndadie Begue is a special performance of vibrant music in celebration of West African culture. Seyba Diouf will play live with other musicians from Senegal to provide a perfect complement to the Houston Botanic Garden’s current ZimSculpt exhibition of hand-carved stone sculptures by Zimbabwean artists. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the beautiful traditional music of Senegal while surrounded by the natural beauty of the Garden and the exquisite work of talented craftsmen.

Like other Music in the Garden Concert Series performances, Ndadie Begue is included in the cost of general admission. Ticket prices on Sundays are $15 for adults and $10 for students (with current ID) and children age 3 and older.

*Members can use the general admission(s) benefit associated with their level of membership toward the cost of a concert ticket(s).

Concessions will be available for purchase; outside food and drink are prohibited.

NOTE: Bring your own lawn/camp chair(s) with General Admission.

Houston Botanic Garden offers free parking for most events, which are often held rain or shine.

About Seyba Diouf

Seyba Diouf is an international African folk singer and musician from Senegal, West Africa. He plays djembe, guitar, harmonica, talking drum, xalam (ngoni), sabar, West African bongo, and several other instruments. His beliefs are deeply rooted in Baay Fall culture. He believes that life is a learning experience, and that he can even learn from his students. He was born and raised in a family of musicians and affectionately referred to as a “griot” or “jali.” His first performance was at the age of 6, when he began performing in his village for cultural ceremonies, local schools, and TV stations. He is committed to retaining the culture of West Africa through music. He has performed extensively throughout his native Senegal, and has opened for such notable artists as Youssou N’Dour.

In 2013, he traveled to New York and performed at The Apollo Theatre, Central Park, and Manhattan TV, among other distinguished places. He received a special invitation by the UNFPA to perform one of his original songs (“Fustila”) at the Fustila Day Celebration in New York.

In 2014, he created the band Yahtu, which means “humble” in the Senegalese Wolof dialect. Yahtu went on to have great success, being nominated “Best Original Band” in 2015, and performing at various festivals and music venues throughout Florida.

Seyba’s music is representative of the culture and beauty of Senegal. He has worked with students at both Houston Community College and Houston’s Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where he has accompanied West African Dance classes taught in both the dance and theatre departments. He was also integral in the restaging of the musical “Fela” at HSPVA in February 2019, by working with the students on the Afro Beat and polyrhythmic percussive style. He has taught talking drum workshops throughout the U.S., including at Dance Africa Miami and at Houston Community College.