WE RUN African educational workshops for schools, colleges, universities and youth groups in the Devon, Cornwall,Somersetand other parts of UK. Our workshops are fun, inclusive and practical. We have different forms of African Art and music to suit any group, have a look at the list here bellow.
African Focus Days
Two or more artists deliver four different art forms over the course of a day, leaving participants with a flavour of what it truly means to be a child of Africa.
African drumming Workshops :
With the facilitation of the Abantu team of teacher and instructors,each class will get the opportunity to play djembes and different African drums and percussion instruments from different parts of Africa and the group will create rhythms together.
The emphasis will be very much hands-on and everyone will be able to participate irrespective of his or her musical background.
Our djembe workshop is guaranteed to be a lot of fun and it will create a real buzz in your school! Typically a day is divided into class-sized groups of 25 to 30 with each session lasting between forty-five minutes to an hour.
Our workshops are very flexible and can be tailored to meet the needs of any group.
Sample djembe drumming Workshop
- 1 hour, half a day morning or afternoon or full day workshops
- Max 25 to 39 per group (group size ideally but we can accommodate group sizes most appropriate to your needs)
- Workshop duration 45 minutes to 1 hour per group
- Age range – 4 years upwards
What students and pupils will learn
1. Summary History of Drums
2. How African djembe drums are made
3. Day to day use and relevance of African drums
4. How to produce different sounds from the drum
5. Playing together in a group
6. Improvising and spontaneous drumming
7. They will also have some fun, non competitive games to play on the drum
Workshop Benefits
There are many benefits of African djembe drumming both for the teacher and the student. You will find that these benefits will apply to both individuals and groups.
African djembe drumming..
- Encourages respectful listening and responding
- Provides a safe framework for children to explore and change how they Interact with each other
- Fosters creativity, flexibility and spontaneity
- Develops leadership skills
- Is a fun experience
- Reduces stress
- Develops respect, friendship and appreciation
- Unites individuals
- Encourages concentration
- Improves behavior
Children gain the following skills and understanding
- Listening
- Speaking in a group
- Writing and researching
- Playing musical instruments
- Drawing
- Movement and coordination and rhythm
- Knowledge of cultural diversity
- Devising theatre pieces
- Team work
- Confidence building
- Awareness of racism and bullying.
Akogo Workshops
Even if you didn’t know the real name of the famous African thumb piano, you will instantly recognise its lilting voice! Recreate this exquisitely joyful sound as your thumbs learn to dance in our Akogo workshops.
Amadinda Workshops
A beater is used to play the wooden keys of this African xylophone. A good sound is guaranteed without tricky hand techniques making this the workshop of choice for children and adults new to African music.
African Food and Cooking
Watch our experts create mouth-watering dishes, then have a go yourself. Combinations of herbs and spices in authentic African cooking styles make for an unforgettable culinary experience!
African Mask Making
Where there are drums, there are masks! Mask making workshops complete the link between music and art in African culture. Learn to make masks and learn how they are used.
African Story Telling
Stories that breathe and grow are at the heart of African culture, resonating through generations. Our dynamic storytellers bring them to life for you, using a powerful mix of music, dance and intriguing artefacts.
African Textile and Batik
Share in an explosion of colour as you work with our Abantu arts instructor to learn about African textile design and then make an original batik or tie die fabric of your own.
African Crafts and Toy Making
Discover the satisfaction of using your hands to make beautiful African bead work, jewellery and clothing. Or tap into traditional skills going back generations to make timeless, practical household objects.
African Bead and Jewellery Making
Every aspect of each bead is carefully assessed and considered to achieve a perfect harmony of texture and colour. That is the secret of the breathtaking beauty of African jewellery . Now our workshops give you the chance to express yourself under the careful tuition of our Abantu artists.
Join us
