Pape Demba "Paco" Samb

Pape Demba "Paco" Samb is a Senegalese-American griot, hand drummer, storyteller, and educator of Wolof ancestry. Based in the United States, he performs throughout the country and has been described by the Delaware government as an "internationally acclaimed artist." Paco has performed with musicians of Senegal and the Gambia including Laba Sosseh, Musa Ngum, and Bala Sidibé.

Aside from performing, he leads drumming classes, workshops, and McDaniel College's Student African Drum Ensemble. Paco has stated his belief in his ability to instruct those "who have never touched a drum before."

Paco plays both traditional and contemporary Senegalese music as well as "reggae, rap, funk, jazz, pop and a variety of other styles."

His own band, the Super Ngewel Ensemble, "performs traditional Senegalese rhythms on authentic handmade instruments while incorporating dance and storytelling."