Mady Keita with his drums.
By Melissa Meehan
DANDENONG shoppers will notice a change in the air: several African-themed shops have moved into town recently, adding atmosphere to the already multicultural town.
Shoppers can now get a taste for African food, hair braiding, arts, culture and music, something not readily available in other parts of Australia.
Mady Keita opened his business Super Manding Percussion seven months ago. His business specialises in making, selling and repairing African drums when he is not busy teaching his drumming skills to others.
Originally from Mali, West Africa, Mr Keita says Dandenong is the best place to open a business that shares African culture.
“I spoke to a couple of people and they said that Dandenong was a great place to open a business,” Mr Keita said. “It is so multicultural.”
Abdoulie Sallah, from African Mystical Arts, agrees. After running a successful stall at the Dandenong market for the past five years, selling clothing and other African items, Mr Sallah said opening his own shop was the next step.
“I have a strong connection with the African community here, but I also enjoy communicating with people from other cultures,” he said. “Dandenong is perfect.”
He said people could come into his shop not only to buy but to learn about African culture.
