 
London African Drumming are an open djembe drumming circle for beginners and improvers in the City of London. We are a 'not for profit' community group offering a fun, uplifting experience whilst learning traditional West African rhythms. Founded by Susie Goode, Isaac Francis and Matt Dale who were three passionate and enthusiastic drumming students of our drum master, Mamadou Oury Diallo. Our aim is to promote a sense of community spirit, wellbeing and positive healing through the transformational process of group rhythm. The benefits of djembe drumming in a group setting are widely recognised and documented. Our members describe the process as joyful, therapeutic and it bringing a sense of belonging and harmony. Traditional African music creates an atmosphere of warmth, joy and connection between people. An Ancient healing tool. Please book your space via our Meet Up link or call Susie on 07904 091763. Now offering: African Cultural Awareness Workshops and African Drumming Lessons by Skype. Want a unique gift for someone?...then how about treating someone to an experience of African Djembe drumming. Simply click here to buy a London African Drumming gift voucher! 
We are here every Saturday from 3:30 till 6.00pm and the group is very suitable for beginners and those wanting to improve their djembe drumming techniques. Djembe drums are available to hire, so no need to have your own drum, but you are more than welcome to bring your own if you like. All abilities are welcomed and drum master, Oury will guide the session accordingly to your needs and skills. 
This weekly group is £20 (£10 concessions) inclusive of djembe drum hire, a cuppa and biscuits and 2.5 hours of jamming and drumming group tuition. Whilst the group has some regular members, you can jump in (and out!) at any time. The idea is to come and have fun. If you can't make it one week, you can always come another. You are guaranteed a warm welcome and a nice cuppa and scrummy biscuits! Our drum master Oury is also available by appointment for one-to-one drumming tuition at the rate of £30 per hour at Coppergate House.Our African Drumming Circle is aimed at learning traditional West African music to create different rhythms and beats through drumming and song. We believe the benefits of African drumming are:
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As a young boy Master Oury Diallo has fond memories of laying down under a tree with his Father, enjoying playing music using an improvised Malian instrument fashioned from an old milk can, where he made a hole down the side and placed a wooden neck / rod from an old bicycle break set in it to make sounds. He shortly afterward realised he could make a flute for his Dad by making holes in the wooden rod and blowing down it. 
Oury started to take an interest in drumming when he travelled from Mali to Guinea in West Africa with his Father. He would often watch Ballets African Nationale on the TV, then he went to Kindia for some years where he developed an appreciation and enjoyment of the many musical celebrations where everyone was drumming to "celebrate everything…wedding ceremonies, naming ceremonies, parties"; the music was "part of a generation". Years back there used to be a competition in Kindia; everybody had to go to practise. Oury was too little to attend at the time but he naturally absorbed it all. Children would have to "hide" to practice music as parents demonised it. For a long time children had to attend practise but hated it as it was treated as a chore of culture and not a pleasure. Oury would practise Djembe in secret, and some time later people realised it was communicating a message of peace and happiness to people’s daily living; it became a form of therapy. 
Oury eventually travelled to Gambia where he was able to practise Djembe freely and in his own time. Oury has a multi-musical background having taken an interest in and played a number of instruments including the "Bolong", "Balafon", "Kora", "Gongoma; 4 keys"….having multi-musical interests provided a "balance". "you beat it for pleasure or you beat it for music…you can’t go wrong, you have to follow it and learn different things, learning from people, or create your own thing…everybody can access the Djembe; you just need to love it…". "Music is magic".Back 
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Supporting the National Curriculum, by informing and teaching African culture through traditional music, storytelling and dance. Available for schools, educational projects or groups. 
Bringing you the amazing talent of Mamadou Oury Diallo weaving his magical musical dance and theatre spectacular alongside our captivating storytellers. This is an energetic and memorable show which will captivate you all with such enchanting stories and amazing magical music. Half Day Workshop incorporating traditional African storytelling, music and dance. 
Whole Day Workshop incoroporating traditional African storytelling, music and dance. Half Day Workshop incorporating traditional African drumming. Whole Day Workshop incoroporating traditional African drumming. Please get in touch for more info, rates, requirements and bookings, call Susie 07904 091763 or Contact Us. Back Buy a London African Drumming gift voucher by clicking the Paypal button below. They come in denominations of £10. Simply choose how many you would like to order. You will then be emailed your gift voucher to print and redeem with us. Your gift voucher can be used for drumming class/circle, individual lesson, or items in shop. (London African Drumming Shop coming soon!)  Back  
A range of quality hand crafted djembe drums of various sizes are available for purchase. Re-skinning, tuning and repair service also available. Please contact with your requirements and our rates. Back So, what is a Djembe? "Djembe is a skin-covered hand drum shaped like a large goblet and meant to be played with bare hands"
A good description I think. Originally found in West Africa and played during celebrations and ceremonies, the Djembe has captivated, dominated and controlled thousands of people in one way or another. The tonal breadths are amazing and with an accomplished player can hypnotise even the most reserved within the community. 
Traditionally a prospective Djembe player would follow a master Djembe player to events, playing accompaniment to the band, learning rhythms and generally becoming one with the Djembe. Today a Djembefola or "one who gives the Djembe voice" gathers together students into small groups and teaches them techniques and rhythms. Becoming a master Djembe player takes years of practice, dedication and love of the drum. Djembe drums are made in various West African cities/towns and crafted in different types of wood. Generally hardwood drums have a heavier and sharper sound and are popular amongst the professional and master players. The head of the drum is traditionally made from an animal skin of some sought. Goat and cow skins are the most popular types used. The drums can be tuned to sound wet (ringing / reverb) or dry (a tight cracking sound). Tuning of the drum is done by adjusting the roping used to keep the drum head and body together. There are a few basic rhythms used to learn and practice the Djembe. One very popular method has been given the affectionate name "Crocodile walking", due to the way the arms alternate from centre to the edge of the Djembe. Other popular rhythms are "Jole" and "Kuku". Isaac Francis Back
Learn to drum from anywhere in the world with Mamadou Oury Diallo. Learn at your own pace in the comfort of your own home or school. Expert tuition in traditional west African rhythms. Beginners, intermediate and advanced abilities - all welcome. All you need is your own drum and willingness to have a go! Call 07904 091763 now or contact us to book your first fun lesson! Pay safely and securely with Paypal. Back 
"I found Oury’s teaching style relaxed and encouraging and gave me an insight into the techniques, sounds and rhythms of hand drumming." Richard from Nottingham on Skype lessons. "Oury is a great teacher, really stretching with rythmns but manages to break it down accordingly to different levels among us with ease. Really enjoyable group" Yvonne, London "Really friendly group. The teacher is excellent and the whole experience is a lot of fun" Elizabeth, London "Really nice and welcoming, easy to get going with the group and start drumming, and lots of fun!" Helena, London Back 
Team building drumming Events for Business & Organizations 
Let London African Drumming help to create an amazingly uplifting experience for your team through the transformational power of Rhythm! Let us help you create wonderful music together to help inspire increased synergy, camaraderie and well-being. As the team begins to play music together a common language emerges and communication improves. Contact Susie on 07904 091763 to discuss your individual requirements for team building drumming events in London and get more information. The London African Drumming Circle are happy to receive enquiries regarding promotional events and private functions. Please contact us with your requirements and for our availability and rates. All teachers/facilitators are CRB checked. Back The djembe drumming group - 'Wuntanara', are available for events. Please contact us for further information.  
 
Farafina Bekan - more info coming soon! 
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Map to London African DrummingRoom 111, Coppergate House, 16 Brune Street, London, E1 7NJFollow the pink or blue line. The blue line is the quickest from Liverpool Street Station and takes you through the pedestrian walkways off Middlesex Street (approx 4 mins) Map to London African DrummingDirections to Coppergate House (PDF Document) Get Directions from Google Maps By tube: Aldgate East By railway: Liverpool Street Back 
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