Dafina Roots
Silvana300 West 116th Street, New York 10026
Dafina Roots brings its Afrobeat and West African fusion to Silvana, led by master percussionist and singer Mamoudou Konate Simbo.
The Harlem-based band connects village traditions with jazz and Afrobeat, with balafon, djembe and saxophone in its sound. Simbo, who is from Tissi near Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso, leads an ensemble of African-diaspora musicians and jazz artists that reworks ancestral melodies and draws on West African highlife and national-band traditions.
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.