The beat goes on with Mamady
I’ve known Mamady a long time, and I always have mad respect for the brother. He’s real, he’s authentic, and he’s pure heart.
Mamady came to Galveston 27 years ago from Conakry, Guinea, in West Africa. And there’s a pretty cool story behind how he got here.
His friend Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top helped convince him to make the move to the island. And there’s another Galveston connection: ZZ Top recorded “Balinese,” a song inspired by the island's legendary Balinese Room. Mamady even played there once himself.
Talk about coming full circle.
Mamady has been laying down the beat around Galveston for years. A master drummer, he’s led drum circles where people show up, jump in and become part of the rhythm.
These days, he can be found at Mamady's Primitive Art From Africa at 2211 Strand, surrounded by beautiful art, jewelry and artifacts he personally brings in from across Africa.
Calling it a shop almost doesn’t do it justice.
Walk through the door and it feels like you’ve stepped into a little museum. There’s something to catch your eye everywhere you turn. Mamady is usually right there, ready to tell you where something came from, what it means or the story behind it.
Mamady's presence is indeed the present. Galveston has a little more rhythm, culture and soul because he chose to call this island home.
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