African drumming - the pulse of life

"I have observed that people, wherever they are, open themselves through contact with African music. In a very short time, it creates an atmosphere of warmth, a closeness, and a completely different type of relationship between people. I personally believe that the serenity that these rhythms transmit is especially attractive. Without even knowing each other, when people drum together, they feel closer to one another."

- master drummer Mamady Keita, in his book A Life For The Djembe

Drumming is a great way to inspire confidence and build a sense of team spirit, as well as being invigorating and lots of fun.

[ HartBeats logo ][ Drumming is fun! ]I work alone or with HartBeats (dependent on your needs) to give drumming workshops for businesses, schools and community projects. We can also perform at your event, and entertain parties for children of all ages from 5-75.

We use West African drums called djembe (the most popular type of African drum, which are not bongos!) and bass drums called dun duns, as depicted on the DIF logo, together with percussion and song to create happy vibes and infectious rhythms.

What sets us apart from other facilitators is our obsessive love for African music gained through decades of intensive study with African masters.

As well as teaching African drumming in schools, I hold drumming circles in Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, and in 2012 started a new kids' drumming group near Bedford. Private tuition is also available.

[ West African drum armies from Senegambia, Guinea and Ghana on manoeuvres ]