baobab tree

West African Drumming, Song and Dance


Education and community:
Making learning fun!

Alicia Since 2002, the professional performing artists under The Baobab Tree have been taking time out from national and international shows to run educational and community drumming, dance, and singing workshops, as well as putting on spectacular interactive demonstrations of live West African music to audiences great and small.

Our workshops are tailor-made to suit the requirements of the National Curriculum, specific course work, or other chosen objectives including special needs, and the diverse backgrounds of our workshop presenters ensure that participants learn as well as enjoy the process of discovery.

Learning African music can:

  • Help to internalise a steady beat
  • Develop social and group working skills, being a communal activity
  • Aid rhythmic learning through aural/oral and kinaesthetic skills backed up by mnemonics
  • Develop concentration and fine motor skills
  • Involve both sides of the brain in cross-lateral thinking
  • Develop confidence through performance

DoudouEveryone can make music, no matter what age and ability. We encourage participants in our workshops to break through the barriers of expectations and try. There is always a role for everyone, whether in keeping the beat, playing signals, singing or dancing or accompanying the soloist. No-one should feel left out. Using our love of music, we extend the spirit of our personal friendships to every child and adult we meet in the hope that they will be touched by it, and that it will give them a lasting appreciation of the roots of West African music and its influences on the music of today.