Ismael 'Bonfils' Kouyate

Ismael Kouyate is a Guinean dancer and singer. He is the son of Mama Diabatè and Papa Kouyatè.

He was born in Guinea, West Africa to a long line of griots, the oral historians that preserve the history and culture of Africa through songs, stories, music and dance. He began dancing professionally at the age of 12, when he was recruited by Les Percussions de Guinee' to perform in their international tour, which included Europe and Asia. Upon his return in 2004, he joined Ballets Africains, the National Dance Company of Guinea, for their 50th Anniversary Tour of the US, Jubilee! From his performances on this tour, he was contracted by the team of Fela! to serve as a master choreographer for the production. His talent and skills landed him a principle role in the play.

Ismael toured with Fela! from its humble off-Broadway roots in 2008 through its final international tours. He is the subject of a CNN special on Africa in the US where his class of more than 100 people learnt and modelled his dance movements.

He has also worked with Beyoncé, adding his vocals to her hit Grown Woman, the single that is featured on her Pepsi commercial.

Ismael is available as an individual performer or with his band, Waraba, or his West African dance company, African Soul International. He is currently completing his own production about the life of King Sundiata Keita, the ruler of the Malian Empire. He is also working on his upcoming album.