Feleke Afro Bags, developed by two Melbourne based artists Boubacar Gaye and Natalie Cassar, is now teamed with Latyr Sy, located in Japan.
Feleke Afro Bags has evolved quickly to expand globally and over time has put djembe bags through some of the harshest living conditions to discover what works best for a long-lasting bag that will protect your instrument in heat, snow, rain and travel. See our history images below of where it all began and meet the team.
Today, Feleke Afro Bags create and produce a wide range of African inspired, durable bags to transport and protect your instrument. With the array of colours, you are guaranteed to find a bag suited to your individual tastes. We are proud of the products we design and sell, and only sell products that are of high quality. They are the genuine article, and we do not sell used products or seconds.
Whether you would like a djembe bag or a custom made bag for another instrument, all bags are:
- Water resistant
- Durable
- Include easy carry/pick-up handles
- Have adjustable straps for individual comfort
- Are well padded to protect your instrument
- Have zipper control and protection
- Have a tough, rubber base
Boubacar Gaye
Boubacar Gaye
Boubacar Gaye
Boubacar Gaye was born in Senegal, West Africa and started playing djembe at the age of 14. With his amazing drumming abilities Bouba joined numerous world renowned professional groups including Foret Sacre Ballet, Mama Afrika and under the guidance of ballet professor Joseph-Raphael Puoschanzi, Bouba travelled throughout Europe, followed by Japan, where he established himself as a leading African composer and percussionist.
As well as his incredible gift of music, Boubacar, also specialises in djembe making; including djembe tuning, repair and design.
Accompanied by Natalie Cassar, Boubacar has now added to his skills the design and production of djembe bags and custom made African instrument bags.
Natalie Cassar was born in Melbourne, Australia and developed a love of African drumming and dance here in Melbourne. Initially dabbling in piano and guitar, Natalie found percussion and has developed a love for playing djembe and is a great dun dun player. With her musical interests and ability, coupled with a love of art and painting, Natalie understands the need to protect and take care of your instruments while at the same time looking awesome!
It was at the age of eight that Latyr Sy first touched an instrument. He plays with the ease and fluency of someone who was born with rhythm in their fingertips and as he grew older, he played music solidly until, seventeen years ago, Latyr left behind his life in Gorée island and moved to Japan. Latyr has dedicated years introducing the music and culture of his home country to the Japanese. He has become a renowned musician, collaborating with many Japanese and international musicians.
Natalie Cassar
Latyr Sy
This bag is the old school version of what we have produced today. The inside is no longer that fluffy, heavy material that breaks down quickly, all bags are now lined with super-strong nylon fabric and insulated with a protective, light-weight foam.
The zippers are now made of a tough, long-lasting plastic that will not rust if you get caught in the rain! They are also deep-set and will not tear easily like the one in this photo! The top of new generation bags are also double lined with two protective layers that make the bags water resistant.
The exterior fabric is a durable, puncture-proof nylon... this old bag was good but the material was too soft and easily torn.... we have come a LONG way since then and have created the most reliable djembe bags to date.
The new generation bags now have two streamlined pockets. The pockets are stronger and more resilient with tough zippers and piped edges. The base of each bag is also supported by hardened rubber to withstand rugged conditions.
New generation djembe bags now support YOU. The straps are padded, adjustable and include a hip belt if your drum is heavy or you are carrying an extra load. Great for air travel as they can be drawn together with ease and the extra padding will protect your instrument. Since the days of this photo, we have also added an extra handle at the top of the straps for easy lifting.
The top of the new generation djembe bags have a double layer protection. This works to guard your instrument from intense heat and showers/light rain. You can also store your promotional materials, papers or other items in here too.
History
