baobab tree

West African Drumming, Song and Dance


Education/community menu

Bucarr Our education and community work crosses cultural and curricular borders and offers one-off workshops, residencies, and performances in schools, community centres, art centres, and theatres around the UK.



  • AFRICAN MUSIC IN SESSION. Interactive performances of West African Music, Song, and Dance for Schools and Community Groups. Explore West African instruments and traditions, with engaging, authentic songs and discussion of life and music in Africa. Morning, afternoon, or whole day sessions. Shows are approximately 1 hour long and can be extended to workshop songs and rhythms with a selected group after the performance. For 10-400 participants.
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  • AFRICAN DRUMMING SESSIONS. Learn the fundamentals of West African Drumming from Guinea, Mali, Senegal and the Gambia. Mornings, afternoons or whole days spent experiencing the joy of getting hands on drums! For up to 35 participants per session.
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  • WEST AFRICAN MUSIC ASSEMBLY. Start the day with a demonstration/performance/assembly of authentic West African Music, led by the Kora of Doudou Cissoko and accompanied by a variety of traditional percussive instruments. Followed by as many 45 minute - 1 hour workshops as can be fitted in throughout the day.
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  • AFRICAN DANCE SESSIONS. Lively and inspiring sessions with a professonal West African dancer, accompanied by live musicians. The same format as AFRICAN DRUMMING SESSIONS, except that three performers are required instead of two.
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  • GRIOT DAYS. A day, a morning, or an afternoon in the genial company of Doudou Cissoko and his fabulous Kora, learning about growing up as a Griot and all that that entails. Learn about songs that mark transitional, landmark moments in Senegalese society and join in.
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  • WEST AFRICAN MUSIC IN RESIDENCE. A variety of longer-term options are available, from a 6-8 week programme with enough djembe drums for 35 in a class, to week-long residencies shared between different schools around the same area. Closer to home, we can provide 2-3 day residencies. We teach traditional rhythms, including signals, call and response, polyrhythms and drumming technique in a progressive sequence culminating in a performance involving the participants and professional musicians. This is a practical approach where the location is far from our base.
  • TEACHER INSET DAYS. Mornings, afternoon, or full day sessions demonstrating the basics of African drumming and song for the classroom, with dance elements where required.
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**2 local schools in close proximity may collaborate to share the cost of a whole day. *Availability of shorter sessions depends on distance from our base

LandingThe Baobab Tree is based in South London but we are prepared to travel for one-day workshops within a 35-mile radius. Residencies of 2-5 days are an option where distance is a problem, and split days can be a solution where budgets are tight. Please call the following number for any further information, enquiries or bookings.

Alicia Davies
0207 738 3817
07752 818062