Making Mischief Oral History Project, 'Lion Of Senegal' full

London College of Fashion

Malik was born in the Gambia but moved to the UK as a child. He set up Yaram Arts to showcase African music, culture and dance. Moulaye is a 'zimbalia' artist (a medieval art form) and performs with Yaram regularly. He is Senegalese and moved to the UK in 2010 where he met Malik. They promote African Carnival (pre-dating Caribbean carnival but there are many links between the two practices). Moulaye performs the Zimba Lion Masquerade which originates in Senegal. He wears a lion costume, made of hairy material with a headdress and neck piece made of cowrie shells.