Saturday, July 01, 2006
Kufaru Mouton, master percussionist associated with Cafe Brasil, New Orleans, passes, says Nola.com
Born in NYC, Kufaru Mouton arrived in New Orleans over 25 years ago on his way to Brazil (the country) and decided to stay here, making his home base around Cafe Brasil on Frenchmen Street, where, with Ralph Gibson, he played the first gig at that venue many years ago. He embodied the spirit of the Frenchmen Street music scene, where he could be found playing or sitting in on any given night of the week, says an obituary at nola.com.
He studied with the masters Babatunji Olatunji and Chief Bey in the 60's in NYC, when he was initianted and was given the Santaria name of Kufaru, which means Guardian. Kufaru was indeed the guardian of the craft of the Conga drums, and spent years handing down the tradition when he taught N.O. schoolkids in programs like Young Audiences, and most recently the school program run by The House of Blues International.
Please send written rememberances of Kufaru to tracy@kabukihats.com. There is a collection of stories and photos - great ones of his funeral second line - being compiled at http://www.kufaru.com/. His frequent musical podna Ralph Gipson, former Shreveporter, is scheduled to perform at Columbia Cafe on July 4th.
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My name is Roy Salomon, Jr. I am also a percussionist (Conga/bongo player). I've met and spoke with Kufaru many times. He is indeed an inspiration to all who met him. I enjoyed listening to him play. He will always be my musician brother and he will be deeply missed in the music world, as a friend and brother and just missed in all as a great human being. God Bless and keep his family!
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