Stories of the Mande Empire: Afro-Eire have a long tradition of providing African music workshops and performances for children. At Africa Day Dublin, they will deliver interactive workshops entitled  ‘Stories of the Mande Empire’. This interactive workshop brings to life the ancient tales of the Mande Empire as told by its Griots (Bards). The workshop is delivered by Malian story teller and cultural expert Isa Ballo and leading proponent of West African Kamele n’goni harp and African percussion in Ireland Paul McElhatton and percussionist Brian Lynch.

Ideal for kids, these story sessions will bring to life the famed epics through the medium of song, drums, shakers, bells and African harp music. The workshops will take place throughout the day in the Kids’ Zone.

http://africaday.ie/whats-on/national-flagship-festival/kids-zone/

The Ranelagh Arts Centre, 26 Ranelagh Main St (Beside LUAS stop), Dublin.

Weekly West African Drumming Classes, Dublin

Due to popular demand and after an 18 month absence weekly African drumming workshops are back!!!

These workshops will explore West African percussion music from Guinea, Mali and Cote d’Ivoire, the heartland of djembe music.  Every rhythm has its purpose and these workshops will provide the context to the music.  From the Kassa harvest rhythms of the Malinke to the Zaouli mask dance of the Gouro people each piece is distinctive in its sound and significance.

Workshops taught by Paul McElhatton who has been playing for over twelve years including over twelve months of learning in Mali, Burkina Faso, Senegal and Gambia.   Continue reading →

When Wednesday, 23 January 2013, 6.30 – 7.30 pm
Where National Concert Hall, Carolan Room
Admission Free, but please RSVP by contacting paul@afroeire.com

Organised by Paul McElhatton, this fascinating panel discussion seeks to expand on the Waltons World Masters – Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars performance by exploring some of the contemporary issues that shape the social and political commentary of their music. The panel brings together a group of journalists, academics, charities and Sierra Leoneans resident in Ireland. Continue reading →

A Donso (hunter) performs at a mask festival in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

The Kamele n’goni (young persons harp) is a harp-oud from the Mandingue region of West Africa (especially Mali and Burkina Faso).  This instrument originates from the 6 string donso (hunter) n’goni which is instrumental to hunter ceremonies, Continue reading →

Professional repair and re-skinning of Djembe, Dunun and other African drums in Ireland.

Djembe repair and re-skinning Ireland