Join us from October 18-20 for a profound journey into the vibrant heart of Northern Ghana and Mali for our annual New Zealand Drum Dance Camp. Set amidst the tranquil landscapes of Waikato, this weekend is not just an event, but a celebration of the unity, rhythm and exhilarating power of African drumming and dance created for the African drumming community in New Zealand.
This year we welcome back Bassidi Koné, a masterful drummer from Mali, known for his extraordinary skill and breathtaking energy. Bassidi’s art embodies the spirit and rhythm of West Africa, making his sessions a cornerstone of our camp. He is joined by a stellar lineup of instructors, including Nathan Bregman, Yaw Asumadu, and New Zealand’s own Jimi Dale, all dedicated to creating a fabric of community through our shared love of African drumming and dance.
Experience highlights:
- Immerse yourself in one-on-one Jembe and Danun workshops suitable for all skill levels, from beginner enthusiasts to advanced drummers, led by our outstanding instructors;
- Experience the power of traditional dance with the exceptional Yaw Asumadu;
- Enjoy a communal African dinner on Saturday night – a gathering that promises to be as moving as the rhythms we share (please book in advance for only $15);
- Participate in exciting group jams and impromptu music sessions where every rhythm and step strengthens our common bond;
- Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Narrows Park Christian Camp, an idyllic setting that enhances our weekend full of music and community;
- The return of Basidi Kone: Basidi Koné, a virtuoso djembe player, brings a rare depth of knowledge and a lively energy that captures the essence of Malian music. His return to our camp is highly anticipated, offering participants an unparalleled opportunity to learn from a master whose life’s journey through music is a testament to the power of drumming to unite and inspire.
Yaw Asumadu
a native of Ghana, has lived, breathed and studied African drumming and music all his life. He has been a member of the Pan African Orchestra for over 10 years and has performed all over the world in traditional and fusion bands, collaborating with legendary artists such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Francis Foster, Andy Summers and Oren Marshall. After nearly 20 years of teaching in London, Yau is now based in New Zealand, offering an exciting opportunity to learn from a master of his craft.
Jimi Dale
A pioneer of African music in New Zealand since 1995, Jimmy Dale has been teaching African drumming and dance lessons in Auckland and the surrounding area. Recently, he has become interested in exploring the relationship between melody and rhythm. He also enjoys being creative: singing, drumming, dancing and storytelling. You may have seen Jimi performing with his band Tamani, a music and dance group he formed that has performed at many events around New Zealand. Jimi loves the way African drumming can bring people together and how a simple groove and song can get people dancing.
Nathan Bregman
Having played drums for over 25 years and studied African drumming for over 10 years, Nathan Bregman is known for providing community-oriented, affordable, and enjoyable lessons. African drumming, with its power to create community and bring people together through music in a short amount of time, has become Nathan’s favorite instrument. His easy-going yet attentive teaching style has made him a favorite among many students across the country.
Special Event Announcement: This year, we are changing Saturday night to a “Special Guest Performance” that will replace the Variety Show to bring you an evening of exceptional entertainment and artistic expression, featuring talent that will surprise and delight all attendees.