André Soares "Dez", who has a degree in African Studies from the Faculty of Letters in Lisbon, started training as a percussionist from an early age. Over the last 22 years he has researched the folk culture and traditional rhythms of the west and south coasts of Africa, taking part in numerous national and international projects. Living in Portugal, he founded BANGBANG PERCUSSÕES and develops cultural projects both in Portugal and abroad. He is the creator and performer of the projects Histórias de um Povo and O Mundo Imaginário de Carolina (2013), Saravá Palavrá & Outros Batuques Poéticos (2015), Ballet Tradicional Okaimpas Kantó (2018), Purah (2020), IN(visível) (2021) and Fragmentos (2022/23). He organises the annual international festival Aldeia Djembe Camp in Proença-a-Nova and the Kolafölö meeting in Lisbon, promoting African and contemporary percussion and dance. He has travelled regularly to Africa since 2004 to deepen his knowledge of folk culture and music, taking part in cultural events and festivals and establishing cultural bridges between Africa and Europe. He is considered one of the greatest promoters and trainers of West African percussion in Portugal.