Rolando Howard/Global Rhythms

AfroPanamanian Musician

Rolando Howard was born in Brooklyn, NY with roots in Panama and West Africa. He began studying music at the age of seven under the late Joan Richardson with The World Ensemble. Over the last 20+ years he has mastered 
various instruments and performed in countless venues along the east coast as a freelance musician. He plays the bass guitar, trumpet, piano, trap set, tuba, Balafone, and all instruments that make the family of the Djembe orchestra. 

Rolando Howard has collaborated with many groups and organizations in the Washington DC area, New York, Richmond VA, Durham NC, Atlanta GA, and Orlando FL metropolitan areas. This includes studying under and accompanying Master Drummer of Guinea West Africa Mamadouba "mito" Camara, and Griot Master Balafonist Aboubacar Camara. He also has performed and taught with Babatunde Olatunji of Nigeria, Elegba Folklore Society, Ezibu Muntu African Dance & Cultural Foundation, Chuck Davis African American Dance Ensemble, Tallahassee Community College African Drum and Dance Ensemble, just to name a few. He is currently instructing an on-going class at Elegba Folklore Society. In the fall of 2008 he began as the musical director for TCC African Drum & Dance Ensemble. His latest project is the Healing Drums Project with the city of Fort Collins.