Links to West African Drum and Dance Resources

African Connection - Master drummer and drum maker Tunde Solanke from Nigeria, now living in Brisbane (Australia). Tunde runs drumming, drum making, music and cultural workshops in schools and corporate events in Queensland and all around Australia. Tunde also sells many types of drums and teaches drum making.

Alternative Culture Magazine Rhythm Section - online djembe lessons and hand drum culture, with more links

Community Rhythms Faciliation - samba+, based in Nelson, BC

Dancing Moon Multicultural Arts - African dance, Afro-belly, hip-hop classes in Victoria

Djembe and Mande Music - top quality list of resources, references and reviews re. West African drumming

Djembe-L Mailing List FAQ and Drumming Resources - the most comprehensive website for hand drummers, drum makers, drum teachers, dancers...

Famoudou Konate - the best in the business, teaching and playing; workshops include dununs, dance and song

Hand Drums and Percussion - Tammy's site with African djembes and hand percussion instruments

Mamady Keita - impeccable technique and chops, also a great teacher of djembe drumming

Meeting the Invisible Man: Secrets & Magic in West Africa - book by Toby Green (review)

Moondance Dynamic Arts School - African dance classes in Victoria, Sooke, and Shawnigan Lake, BC

Moonrise Music - drum workshops, classes, and fine custom-made drums on Vancouver Island, BC

Rootsy Records - djembe recordings and other resources for West African drumming, especially from Mali

Rhythm Catalog from Larry Morris - authoritative source reference for many West African and Latin rhythms found here

Taal Fiza Productions - world music recording, performance, studio in Victoria, BC

Tribal Roots Drum Jams - Rainbow gatherings, fire dance circles, and more

Tribe.net - Djembe and Dunun / djun-djun group - online community of West African style drummers

Check out X8 Hand Drums!

Youssef Koumbassa - top dancer and teacher, with videos and workshops in Guinea

 

Roots Jam 3:

Arrangements for West African Drum & Dance

This all-new collection of rhythms helps you take the next step in playing West African drums for dancers, in a group, or just for fun. Learn basic accompaniment parts, selected bass drum (dunun) and bell patterns and variations, and traditional djembe solos.  Roots Jam 3 adds to the previous Roots Jam books in offering complete and cohesive ensemble arrangements for 16 popular dance rhythms.  Included are lessons and exercises to help you understand basic downbeat, upbeat and offbeat timing; choose from available bell and clave patterns; and learn both traditional and improvised lead djembe solos.  Practice listening to and playing parts with the optional audio CD.  Also featured is notation for 27 original compositions by Nowick Gray, with audio tracks on a second CD.

Roots Jam:

Collected Rhythms for Hand Drum and Percussion

This unique resource contains hundreds of rhythms from the African, Latin and rock traditions, along with inspired improvisations.  Easy notation, useful for all levels, from beginners to performers.  Includes lesson guide, arrangements, popular styles, practice exercises, and a list of other resources.  Fully indexed, 80 pages.

Roots Jam 2:

West African and Afro-Latin Drum Rhythms

An updated (2002) and expanded collection of over 125 traditional West African, Afro-Latin, and Middle Eastern rhythms, arranged for ready reference for individual learning or ensemble play.  Covers djembe and dunun/bell parts and variations, in box (grid) notation for clear display of timing. Includes unique exercises, generic patterns and in-depth study of polyrhythm. Optional full-length audio CD with 28 demo and practice tracks.

Nowick Gray has been a teacher and writer for over three decades, and a drummer since 1990.  He currently teaches and performs with a number of drum and percussion groups in Victoria, B.C. 

Click here for more info or to order.

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