Abass Dodoo - GLOBAL VILLAGE

Abass was born in Nsawam, southern Ghana into a legendary, internationally acclaimed family of drummers, dancers and healers. Before his sixth birthday he was inspired to play the drum by his grandmother “Abiba Okailey Ablah” who taught him drumming by singing traditional rhythms. The family of Royal master Ghanaian Drummers was not only steeped in the traditions of Ghanaian music and dance, but also in the folklore of traditional medicines. Abass was mentored by his uncle, Mustapha Tettey Addy; master drummer, anthropologist and researcher in the field of traditional music and dance in Ghana.

Apart from running numerous workshops and masterclasses Abass has worked with the legendary CREAM drummer Ginger Baker, for 10 years. Touring legendary Jazz venues and festivals around the globe, together Baker and Dodoo collaborate to perform and produce clinics and workshops. Additionally, Abass recorded an album in 2014, titled; “WHY”. In 2015 he was invited to play on Van Morrison’s new album, titled, DUETS.




WOMAD Foundation are supporting the Next Generation Schools Day on Friday 7th July at Chalkwell Park prior to Village Green Festival. Lead artists Mim Suleiman, Ripton Lindsay, Mauricio Velasierra , Heidi Heidelberg and Abbas Dodoo will be performing with Essex based BAME artists and have an international reputation for sharing their music/dance through performance and participatory workshops has part of the Global Essex. The artists will be performing at Next Generation and at Village Green over the two days.