Dafina Roots
Silvana300 West 116th Street, New York 10026
Dafina Roots brings its Afrobeat and West African fusion to Silvana. The Harlem-based band is led by singer and master percussionist Mamoudou Konate Simbo, and its lineup draws together musicians from the African diaspora and jazz artists.
Founded by Simbo, who is from Tissi near Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso, Dafina Roots brings the music of his village to New York. Their sound joins traditional African music and ancestral melodies with jazz, Afrobeat and New York influences, including balafon, djembe and saxophone.
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.