Canadh Croí (“Singing of the Heart” in Irish Gaelic) is a musical ensemble based in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, which combines the complex and irresistible rhythms of West African drumming with the beautiful, flowing melodies of Ireland and Scotland. We are a multi-generational ensemble; our members range from internationally recognized masters to dedicated young artists carrying these traditions into the next generation. Through our exploration of the intersection of these two dynamic traditions, we celebrate the creative potential of culturally diverse communities, and hope to inspire people to express themselves and explore their own heritage through music and dance.

Canadh Croí’s traditional West African artists are all members of Minneapolis-based Duniya Drum and Dance. Our Celtic artists are drawn from the Twin Cities’ thriving Irish and Scottish music communities. Our work has been supported by grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council, and Irish Arts Minnesota, and by a performance partnership with the Southern Theater in Minneapolis. We released our first album, “Badenya”, in January of 2026.

Prior to 2025, Canadh Croí performed under the name “Cumar”. 

Listen to our profile on PRX’s “The World”-

 

“Canadh Croí ” is an Irish Gaelic phrase, pronounced “Conna Cree”, which translates roughly to “Singing of the Heart”. The name also refers to Conakry, the capital city of Guinea, hometown of our master drummers Fodé and Sana Bangoura.