24-27th October 2025
Join us this 24th to 27th October for a West African musical immersion at our annual NZ Drum Dance Camp.
Set amidst 38 acres of native bushland just a short drive from Wellington, this weekend is a celebration of unity, rhythm and the transformative spirit of African drum and dance! Curated mindfully and with enthusiasm for the NZ African drumming community.
Experience Highlights:
♪ Djembe and Dunun Workshops: Suitable for all skill levels, from enthusiastic beginners to advanced drummers,
guided by our awesome team of teachers.
♪ Traditional Dance: with the effervescent Epizo Bangoura.
♪ Group Jams and Musical Sessions: Strengthen communal bonds through captivating group jams and impromptu
musical sessions.
♪ Tranquil Setting: Enjoy the native bushland environ – build mind, body and spirit whilst enhancing our weekend of
music and togetherness.
♪ Delicious Catering: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included on Saturday and Sunday, as well as breakfast Monday.
♪ Please bring a shared (pre-prepared) plate for Friday evening kai.
This camp will accommodate drummers of all levels, ensuring everyone benefits from our fantastic line up of teachers.
Location
Camp Kaitoke Education Centre
184 Marchant Road
Upper Hutt 5018
♪ Comfortable bunk-style cabins
♪ Vehicle camping and limited tent sites available if preferred (rate remains the same)
♪ Large performance area
♪ Bonfire area
♪ Short bush walk nearby for a nature reset
Schedule
FRIDAY – 24 OCTOBER 2025
♪ 4-5pm – Registration with Tulletha in the dining hall. Settle in to camp.
♪ 5.15pm – A warm welcome sets the stage for a weekend filled with rhythm and learning. Meet in the Dining Hall for introductions, orientation, AD shop, health & safety.
♪ 6-7pm – Bring a plate for shared Kai – mix, mingle & clean up.
♪ 8-9.45pm – All-in drum workshop. We’ll also enjoy some good ol’ fashion jamming – plenty of melodic exploration so bring your Ngoni, Mbira etc. (Dining Hall)
♪ 10pm onwards – quiet time with gentle instruments welcome (N’goni, Kora, Mbira)
SATURDAY – 25 OCTOBER 2025
♪ 7.30-8.30am – Morning Yoga with Em.
♪ 8-9.15am – Breakfast & clean-up.
♪ 9.30-11am – Breakaway Drumming Sessions (Dining Hall or Gym):
– Beginners & Intermediates with Yaw
– Upper Intermediates & Advanced with Epizo
♪ 11-11.30am – Morning tea
♪ 11.30-1.15pm – Open-level dance class with Epizo
♪ 1.15-2.15pm – Lunch & clean up.
♪ 2.15-4pm – Breakaway Drumming Sessions (Dining Hall or Gym):
– Beginners & Intermediates with Epizo.
– Upper Intermediates & Advanced with Yaw.
♪ 4.15-5.15pm – All-in DunDun Workshop with Yaw (Gym)
♪ 5.45pm-6.45pm – optional Kora class with Epizo (max. 9 participants – please register on arrival, instruments provided).
♪ 7.15-8.30pm – Communal dinner & clean up.
♪ 8.30-10pm – Campfire jams & social time.
SUNDAY – 26 OCTOBER 2025
♪ 7.30-8.30am – Morning Yoga with Em.
♪ 8-9.15am – Breakfast & clean-up.
♪ 9.30-11am – Breakaway Drumming Sessions (Dining Hall or Gym):
– Beginners & Intermediates with Yaw
– Upper Intermediates & Advanced with Epizo
♪ 11-11.30am – Morning tea.
♪ 11.30-1pm – Open-level DUN dance class with Jimi (Gym).
♪ 1-2.15pm – Lunch & clean up.
♪ 2.15-4pm – Breakaway Drumming Sessions (Dining Hall or Gym):
– Beginners & Intermediates with Epizo.
– Upper Intermediates & Advanced with Yaw.
♪ 4.15-5.15pm – All-in DunDun Workshop with Yaw (Gym).
♪ 5.45pm-6.45pm – optional Kora class with Epizo (max. 9 participants – please register on arrival, instruments provided).
♪ 7.15-8.30pm – Communal dinner & clean up.
♪ 8.30-10pm – Campfire jams & social time.
MONDAY – 27 OCTOBER 2025
♪ 8-9.15am – Breakfast & clean-up.
♪ 9.15-10am – Pack & clean cabins.
♪ 10-10.45am – Group Drum Performances (Dining Hall)
♪ 11-11.30am – Final all-in drumming session
♪ 11.30am – Closing circle: debrief, feedback, AD shop closes. Time to hit the road!
Rates:
♪ Full rate: $495
♪ Kids 9 – 14 years old: $250
♪ Kids 8 and under: $175
♪ Single Day: $195 (includes full day tuition, lunch and dinner, available Saturday or Sunday)
♪ Single Day & Night: $220 (includes full day tuition, 3 meals, overnight stay, available Saturday or Sunday)
♪ Drum Hire: $15
* Family Packages available on request, please email info@africandrumming.co.nz to find out more!
FAQs
What should I bring?
♪ Djembe drum if you have one, if not, you can hire one for $15
♪ Snacks for the weekend
♪ Dance appropriate shoes (there are concrete floors)
♪ Sleeping gear (pillowcase & sheet, sleeping bag/duvet) bag and pillow
♪ Warm clothes
♪ Comfortable clothing to dance/move in
♪ Evening cosy clothes for jams/camp fire sessions
♪ Togs (if you feel brave enough to dip in the creek!)
♪ Rain coat and gumboots/boots/sturdy shoes (if forecast looks wet)
♪ Toiletries/Towel & Personal Medications
♪ Shared plate of Kai for Friday evening, light breakfast for Monday morning (there are no cooking facilities for self catering so think simple on the go breakfast)
♪ An eager spirit!
I’m an absolute beginner, can I come along?
Definitely! Our camp is a nurturing space for newcomers to discover the joy of African drumming and dance, bolstered by a supportive community.
Bookings
Get your ticket here, we can’t wait for you to join us in this celebration of rhythm and community.
Family and group rates are available – please ask!
For more information about the camp, please contact Tulletha at nzafricandrumming@gmail.com or call: 028 474 1123
Meet your teachers
Epizo Bangoura
A master of the djembe and traditional dance, Epizo brings profound knowledge and vibrant energy, embodying the essence of West African music and dance.
Yaw Asumadu
A Master Drummer from Ghana, Yaw has performed globally and taught African drumming for 25 years, collaborating with legendary artists.
