This year we made some of our best Kamele ngoni yet. We also hosted masterclasses for festivals, universities and public workshops. We continued to promote the kamele ngoni through the group Manden Express and through international artists such as the Sidiki Dembele Sextet … Check out some of our work. Looking froward to 2016 !!……
Open to everybody, regardless of music background. You only need an interest in music and rhythm in particular!
‘When children learn to play a musical instrument, they strengthen a range of auditory skills. Recent studies suggest that these benefits extend all through life…’ The New York Times. Download our 2015-2016 African drumming and dance brochure for schools
African drumming and Dance Workshops for schools Ireland
Everyone can play drums. Everybody has the ability to make music. And Kids make the best drum students of all… They learn faster than adults and the simplicity of their understanding process allows them to grasp complex polyrhythms. Our drumming workshops specialise in team building, communication, creativity, relaxation, education cooperation and having a lot of fun. We provide an easy access into African rhythms for all ages and abilities. Everybody has a part to play in the workshop, from the big bass drums that set the rhythm in motion, to the bright and cheerful djembe drums that provide the groove, the sharp and clear bell rhythms guiding the way and the loose sounding shakers bringing it all together, making it clear and evident that everybody is helping everyone else.
Workshops facilitated by Paul McElhatton an Irish based percussionist with extensive teaching and performance experience. Whats involved? Our African drumming workshops allow students to learn by listening to each other. Each workshops involves rhythms games, an introduction to the different drums and cultures of Africa and a great rhythm to follow. Cost We provide all the instrument required and can cater for 25 to 40 students at a time. A typical session lasts for around 50 minutes and it is possible to make five workshops in a day.
Interactive workshop/performance (ideal for large groups).
This event is suitable for groups of 80 +. Includes demonstrations of drumming and dance followed by inclusive singing, body percussion and dance. Workshop lasts 1 hour 15 minutes. Or 45 min x 2 for groups exceeding 100. (Includes three facilitators).
We are delighted to announce Sidiki Dembélé will be performing with members of Irelands own West African music group Manden Express in the all new Sidiki Dembélé Sextet. This show is being put together especially for the festival and will feature a rare cross-over between some of the best homegrown and international specialists from the fields of Jazz and traditional African music.
Article published in Think Africa Press.
http://thinkafricapress.com/mali/griot-modern-era
The Malian Griot in the Modern Era
As a big fan of Malian music, it is always a pleasure to have an opportunity to meet one of the greats. I have always been humbled by their approachability and the everyday things that they want to talk about, if given the chance. In this sense Bassekou Kouyate was no different. As he lay back in the cupped jazz club style seating of the Sugar Club in Dublin, I greeted him with my one and only Fulani word, ‘Jarama’, to which he replied in a stream of Fula. Read more