Dafina Roots
Silvana300 West 116th Street, New York 10026
Dafina Roots brings its Harlem-based Afrobeat and West African fusion to Silvana. Led by master percussionist Mamoudou Konate Simbo, the band connects ancestral songs from Burkina Faso with African-diaspora musicians and jazz artists.
Simbo, who is from Tissi near Bobo-Dioulasso, brings his village’s musical traditions to New York. Dafina Roots' sound brings together balafon, djembe, saxophone and jazz, placing Burkina Faso village music in conversation with Afrobeat and New York sounds.
Silvana offers a lively mix of live music and cultural flavors in a spacious venue where the audience can enjoy a range of performances from jazz and rock to Afro fusion and Latin rhythms. The room features a bar and serves Middle Eastern and Ethiopian-inspired dishes during happy hour, creating a unique blend of tastes and sounds. Shows are ticketed or free depending on the event, with some nights featuring multiple sets and late-night DJ sessions that keep the energy flowing well into the early hours. The venue encourages both attentive listening and socializing, making it a dynamic spot for music lovers and night owls alike. Its location in Manhattan’s vibrant neighborhood adds to the experience, offering a welcoming space to discover diverse musical talents and enjoy a full evening out.