Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of Northern Ghana and Mali this year, under the guidance of premier International and local drum and dance instructors in a weekend brimming with pulsating rhythm, music, and jubilation.

This year, from 13th to 15th October, you're invited to partake in the extraordinary spirit, music, and culture of Northern Ghana and Mali, the homeland of Yaw and Bassidi, at our annual NZ Drum Dance Camp.

Our esteemed culture enthusiast and teacher, Nathan Bregmen, will be returning this year, alongside African Drumming Master Yaw Asamudu, African Drum Master Bassidi Koné, and New Zealand's legendary drummer Jimi Dale.

This year, our focus is on the community, uniting everyone as a single, large tribe through our shared love of rhythm...and there's plenty to look forward to:

-Djembe and Dunun classes for all skill levels with beginner, intermediate, and advanced drum classes every day.

-Authentic traditional dance classes with Yaw Asumadu

-A communal Saturday night African Dinner

(book early for this $10)

-Collective Jams and spontaneous melodic infusions

-Serene location in Waikato, surrounded by lush rolling hills.

With multiple teachers and multiple learning groups, this camp will accommodate drummers of all levels, ensuring everyone benefits from our fantastic line up of teachers.

Having played drums for over 25 years and studied African drumming for over 10 years, Nathan Bregmen is known for delivering classes that are community-oriented, accessible, and enjoyable. African drumming, with its power to build community and bring people together through music in a short space of time, has become Nathan's instrument of choice. His light-hearted yet attentive teaching style has made him a favorite among many students across the country.

Yaw Asamudu, a native of Ghana, has lived, breathed, and studied African Drumming and music his entire life. He has been a member of the Pan-African Orchestra for over 10 years and has performed globally in traditional and fusion groups, collaborating with legendary artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Francis Fuster, Andy Summers, and Oren Marshall. After teaching classes in London for nearly 20 years, Yaw is now in New Zealand, offering an exciting opportunity to study with a master of his craft.

Bassidi Koné, hailing from Mali, West Africa, belongs to the Bwa ethnicity and was born into a Griot family in the San region of central Mali. From a young age, he was deeply influenced by his father’s primary instrument, the balafon. Bassidi's journey took him to Bamako, where he honed his skills as a percussionist, particularly on the djembe. He founded the percussion troupe, Bwazan, which is now recognized as one of Mali’s leading percussion groups. Internationally, Bassidi has collaborated with diverse ensemble groups, infusing various genres with his rich musical heritage. He has been part of milestone performances globally, including the Percussive Arts Society International Convention and the Desert Song Festival in Central Australia.

Jimi Dale, a pioneer of African music in NZ, has been teaching African Drum and Dance classes in Auckland and around NZ since 1995. Recently, his passion has been exploring the relationship between melody and rhythm. He also enjoys being creative with singing, drums, dance, and stories. You may have seen Jimi performing as part of his band Tamani, a world music and dance group he formed, which has performed at many events all over NZ. Jimi loves the way African Drumming can bring people together, and how a simple groove and song can get people dancing.

VENUE:

Narrows Park Christian Camp

442 Airport Rd,

Hamilton

RATES

Adult rate $270

Early Bird $240 (before 13 August 2023)

Kids 15 and under $80

Drum Hire $10

Optional Linen Hire $20

Saturday night Communal dinner $10 (book early)

Price includes accommodation - BYO sleeping bag & pillow

Aside from Saturday night communal meal, price does not include food

PROPOSED SCHEDULE

Friday 13 October

5:00pm - 7:00 - Arrive and settle in. Meet and greet.

7:00 - 9:00 - Introductions and “all in” workshop.

9:00 onwards: Jam and Chill time.

Saturday 14 October

10:00 - 12:30 - Group breakaway sessions - Drumming

12:30 - 2:00 – Lunch

2:00 - 3:15 - All in DunDun Workshop

3:30 - 5:00 - Group breakaway – Drumming

5:30 - 6:30 - African Dance

6:30 - 7:30 - Communal African-style dinner prepared by Yaw

8:00 onwards - An opportunity to share your talents at our highly anticipated variety show followed by teachers performance. Or weather dependant jams around the bonfire.

Sunday 15 October

9:30 - 11:15 - Break away groups – Drumming

11:15 - 12:15 - African dance

12:15 - 1:15 – Lunch

1:15 - 2:15 - Break away groups – Drumming

2:30 - 3:00 - Final group performance of rhythms we have learnt over the weekend.

3:00 - 5:00 - Pack up and depart.

FAQ's

What should I bring?

A drum if you have one – if not you can hire one for $10

BYO food/drinks (Venue has a large commercial kitchen) |

*Except for Sat night communal dinner if you choose to join us.

Shoes to dance in

Sleeping bag or bedding and pillow, or hire linen for the weekend for an additional $20

Warm clothes

I’m an absolute beginner, can I come along?

Sure! We welcome beginners and our sessions will suit you. It’s a great chance to mingle with those who have been drumming longer and pick up tips and tricks from peers

For more info contact:Nathan Bregmen

info@africandrumming.co.nz

ph: 021 156 7712