If you don't mind driving a little to Ann Arbor, you have a wonderful master
teacher from the Congo. His name is Titos Sompa. He once lived in NYC and
drummed with another Congolese drummer - Coster Samba.
You will learn very fast
from him and his inspiring method. His first album release in the USA was called "YAO",
and was produced by the late percussionist , Colin Walcott in the
late 70s. It takes you to the root & spirit of much of Cuba's african based rumba
and also some of Haitian & Dominican music of Congo (Bantu) origins.
I would say it's a must have for any percussionist's collection.
I'm still looking for this album if anybody has it? I would trade something for a copy.
Here's his website:
http://www.mbongivillage.org/programs.html#Congo%20CampIsaac Gutwilik