BIO: Djobi 'Wake Up Spirit' Ensemble
The Djobi Ensemble play original and authentic music from West Africa bringing the dance right out of your soul. The ensemble’s high-energy performances captivates the audiences to their feet with songs to sing, and dance. People say they bring drumming to a whole new level here in the US. They play music from Emmanuel’s village and original composition written here from Kimberly Djo Bi; both with dancers. The African authentic mask dances such as Zaouli, Boloye and more are played with both drum and dance.. They play with Djembes, dun duns, balafon, and other traditional instruments. Emmanuel Djo Bi, the lead drummer is native to Ivory Coast, Africa. He took his career as a lead drummer of the Ivory Coast orchestra to the USA. Kimberly Djo Bi trained for over 24 years on the djembe and dun duns, from travelling to Africa a few times and many states in the USA; now has original pieces and choreography. She has traveled all over the US learning the djembe, teaching, and coordinating drum circles. Combining their love for each other and music, they help resonate the vibration when they play. The Ensemble has performed and taught at the Michigan Renaissance Festival, Pagan Pride, ‘Touch of Magic’ show, taught at Starwood, and much more. Djobi Ensemble’s studio is located in Toledo, Ohio.
On a personal note:
We come together to rise the vibration of the world through music.
We are just beginning. We are writing and composing music throughout our journey.
We are working two three jobs and still finding time to dance and drum everyday.
We are committed to this dream.Everywhere we go we invite people to join us through dance and drum.
Help us break though to that high vibration with music and dance.
Emmanuel and Kimberly Djobi below are the founders. And WE THANK Everyone that has joined us. THANK YOU!!!!!
Wake Up the Spirit with us!!!!
Emmanuel Djo Bi
Lead drummer and teacher of drum and dance with Wake up! One of the Original Founders of Wake Up and Coordinators.
Born in Ivory Coast. Began drumming at the church. Influenced by his family and environment.- He then became a lead drummer for the Ivory Coast Sotheca orchestra and many more. Started recording and pushed to learn on. Met his wife, moved to the US and together they began WAke Up!
When he breaths there is a beat!
Kimberly D​jo bi
Director of the Wake up and drummer, dancer, and teacher with Wake up! One of the Original Founders of Wake Up and Producers. Born in Toledo. Began drumming 1996. Spirit awakened by the drum. Influenced by her family in music and started playing violin at 8 and began dancing at 5 with Toledo Ballet. ​Meet her husband in Africa travelling there to learn, and once he entered the US, together they began Wake Up!
When she breaths she is making music!
Emmanuel and Kimberly Djo Bi
Emmanuel and Kimberly met in Abidjan on a bus to the village of Bangofla, Ivory Coast (West Africa). Their life's journey has brought them here with Djobi Ensemble "Wake Up Spirit' and growing and travelling together while living their dream. Trusting in God and being thankful. They have 5 children and hope that they can build a foundation to keep the African Drum and sounds alive here in the US.