Festival 2025 is here—meet all of the artists taking over our three performance spaces this summer.

KanKouran West African Dance Company

At Outdoor Henry J. Leir Stage: Jul 4 - Jul 5

Event Dates

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About

KanKouran West African Dance Company

This event took place on July 4-5 at 5:30pm | Henry J. Leir Stage
Live Music

KanKouran, a beloved pillar of West African dance in Washington, D.C., returned to Jacob’s Pillow this summer after a thrilling Festival 2024 performance. Founded by Artistic Director Assane Konte and the late Abdou Kounta, the company brought together artists from the United States, Africa, and the Caribbean to preserve and promote traditional West African culture.

For over 40 years, KanKouran has been a cornerstone for generations of dancers, students, and musicians, fostering a deep sense of community and artistic excellence. The company has performed at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and beyond. They now return to the Pillow for two nights to captivate audiences with their powerful rhythms, vibrant movement, and rich cultural heritage.