Drumming
We offer classes in traditional West African drumming for groups and individuals.
Traditional
West African Dumming
Class length: 60 minutes
Class series: 8 weeks (1 class a week)
Days and times: TBD
Price: TBD
Class Description: Traditional West African Drumming Classes are amazing, high-energy, fun experiences. In this introduction to Traditional West African Drumming class students will learn the three basic techniques needed to play the Djembe: Bass, Tone, and Slap. Taught by choreographer/drummer/dancer Tyehimba Kokayi, this class is a unique opportunity to learn a traditional art from a modern master.
The heart of this class lies in the techniques and rhythms that students will learn which will provide them with opportunites for personal transformation and community connection.
Benefits include: developing rhythm; increasing muscle strength; improving balance, focus, and coordination; experiencing relaxation, joy and spiritual healing.
Level: Beginner
Age: Open to those 16 and older
Class Minimum: 5
Class Maximum: 50
Individual private lessons are available upon request.
What to bring to class: You, your body, your spirit and a Djembe’ if you have one. Djembes will be available for rent, if you don't.
Community
Jam
Class length: 60 minutes
Class series: 8 weeks (1 class a week)
Days and times: TBD
Price: TBD
Class Description: The Community Jam is a lively, welcoming, and inclusive experience that invites people of all ages and skill levels to come together through rhythm. Less formal than traditional classes, this gathering emphasizes participation, listening, and shared energy rather than structured instruction. Led by master drummer and dancer Tyehimba Kokayi, the circle offers an accessible way to engage with West African drumming in a relaxed, communal setting.
The heart of the class lies in creating connection, self-expression, and collective joy, using rhythm as a tool for personal release and strengthening community bonds.
Benefits include: developing rhythm; increasing muscle strength; improving balance, focus, and coordination; experiencing relaxation, joy and spiritual healing.
Level: Beginner
Age: Open to those 16 and older
Class Minimum: 5
Class Maximum: 50
Individual private lessons are available upon request.
What to bring to class: You, your body, your spirit and a Djembe’ if you have one. Djembes will be available for rent, if you don't.
The Djembe' has traveled a long way since Ancient Mali.
It now played in many parts of the world, including here at home in Sonoma County.
The Path of the Djembe
The Djembe is an instrument from West Africa. It was given the name Djebebara by the Bambara people. A Djembe' was traditionally carved from a single piece of wood and covered with goat skin attached by the "peg in hole" system. After its introduction to the outside world, it adopted its current rope tightening tuning system.
The Djembe' was played mostly for ceremonial occasions, such as, weddings, births, deaths, crop failure or even sickness in the village. It was believed the sounds, songs, and vibrations of the Djembe would heal the illness and was sometimes known as the healers drum.
The origins of the Diembe date back to the time of the Ancient Mali Empire c. 1235 to 1670. which included present day countries of Mali, Senegal, The Gambia, Ghana among others. The Empire was founded by Sundiata Keita (c. 1214 - c. 1255) and became renowned for the wealth of its rulers.
At its peak, the Ancient Mali empire was the largest in West Africa, comparable in size to the United States, today. The cultures of the region were heavily influenced by the spread of teh empire and its language (Manding), laws and customs. Storytellers known as griots were a major source of knowledge as they recorded informatio and events according to the Mandinka oral tradition.
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The Djembe' has traveled a long way since Ancient Mali. It now played in many parts of the world, including here at home in Sonoma County.
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Playing the Djembe requires understanding how to play three basic notes: Bass, Slap, and Tone.
Bass is the lowest note/sound. It is achieved by the player holding their hand very firmly, striking the drum in the center and lifting his hand off as quickly as possible.
Tone is the mid-range note/sound. It is achieved by the player holding their hand very firmly, striking the drum on the edge with their upper palm and top half
of hand and lifting it off as quickly as possible.
Slap is the highest note/sound. It is achieved by the player holding their hand very loosely and striking the drum on the edge with the upper palm and top half of the hand and lifting it off as quickly as possible.
My Drummaster Speaks
Master drummer Abdoulaye Diakite talks about drumming and the history of the djembe.
