Dafina Roots
Silvana300 West 116th Street, New York 10026
Dafina Roots brings its Afro Fusion set to Silvana, led by master percussionist and singer Mamoudou Konate Simbo. The Harlem-based band draws together musicians from the African diaspora and jazz players, with balafon, djembe, saxophone and horns in its sound.
Founded by Simbo, who is from Tissi near Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, Dafina Roots places village music from Burkina Faso in conversation with jazz, Afrobeat and New York sounds. Its approach also reaches toward Ghanaian highlife, West African national-band traditions including Bembeya Jazz, Mali’s Rail Band and Burkina Faso’s Volta Jazz, and Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat.
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.