African Drumming & Dance Workshops
Explore our workshops below to find the right interactive cultural learning experience for your school, organisation or group, or join one of our community workshops here.
Nurseries, Schools & Colleges
We offer engaging, interactive drumming and dance workshops and assemblies exploring West African music, culture and rhythm. Sessions build confidence, creativity, teamwork and musical skills, with links to Music, PE, PSHE, History and Geography. Perfect for enrichment days, cultural celebrations, Black History Month and curriculum activities.
Community & Festivals
Make your festival or community event unforgettable with Mbilla Arts! Our joyful African drumming and dance experiences are designed to get people involved, have fun and enjoy making music together. Our interactive workshops create memorable experiences for all ages, encouraging participation, connection and celebration.
Corporate
Bring your team together through the rhythm and joy of African drumming and dance.
Our interactive corporate experiences are designed to encourage teamwork, connection and creativity — while giving everyone the chance to get involved and have fun.
From team-building days and away days to conferences and staff celebrations, Mbilla Arts creates an experience your team will be talking about long after the event.
What to expect
Discover → Play → Create → Celebrate
1. Discover the traditions
We begin by exploring the history and cultural context of the djembe, including its origins among the Malinke people and its role in oral traditions, social gatherings and ceremonies.
3. Play together
Through call-and-response, participants build from simple rhythms into more complex accompaniment patterns. African songs and vocals are woven into the session, reflecting the communal nature of West African music-making.
2. Learn the rhythms
Participants get hands-on with the djembe, learning how to produce the three primary sounds and developing basic technique through fun, accessible exercises.
4. Build the energy
We bring everything together, gradually increasing the tempo and energy to create a lively and joyful finale. Workshops can also incorporate African dance, exploring the powerful connection between rhythm and movement.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the workshop participants will:
- Gain an understanding of West African musical and dance traditions and the cultural significance of the djembe drum.
- Develop foundational skills in djembe technique, including how to play the three primary sounds.
- Build listening, teamwork and communication skills through playing or dancing collaboratively within a group.
- Experience the joy, mindfulness, and sense of connection that comes from shared music-making and movement in a drum circle setting.
Experienced & Safeguarded Artists
All sessions are led by experienced, DBS-checked artists and facilitators, with the approach adapted to suit the age, ability and needs of each group.
Why Choose Us?
Engaging Workshops
At Mbilla Arts, the vibrant culture of African drumming and dance is brought to life by our charismatic and skilled artists. Our workshops are designed for all ages and skill levels, providing an immersive experience in traditional African rhythms and movements.
Community Focused
We are dedicated to fostering community spirit through the arts. Our programmes are tailored for schools, community groups, festivals, and corporate events, ensuring everyone can participate and enjoy.
Accessible Pricing
Mbilla Arts offers competitive pricing to make our workshops accessible to everyone. We believe in the power of music and dance to unite communities and enhance well-being.
Tailored Experiences
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer or drummer, our sessions are customised to meet your needs. Join us to explore the rich tapestry of African performing arts.