13 – 15 October 2023
Join us to share the wonderful spirit, music and culture of West Africa

Sessions

Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms of Northern Ghana and Mali this year, under the guidance of premier International and local drum and dance instructors in a weekend brimming with pulsating rhythm, music, and jubilation.

This year, from 13th to 15th October, you’re invited to partake in the extraordinary spirit, music, and culture of Northern Ghana and Mali, the homeland of Yaw and Bassidi, at our annual NZ Drum Dance Camp.

Our esteemed culture enthusiast and teacher, Nathan Bregmen, will be returning this year, alongside African Drumming Master Yaw Asamudu, African Drum Master Bassidi Koné, and New Zealand’s legendary drummer Jimi Dale.

This year, our focus is on the community, uniting everyone as a single, large tribe through our shared love of rhythm…and there’s plenty to look forward to:

  • Djembe and Dunun classes for all skill levels with beginner, intermediate, and advanced drum classes every day.
  • Authentic traditional dance classes with Yaw Asumadu
  • A communal Saturday night African Dinner
    (book early for this $10)
  • Collective Jams and spontaneous melodic infusions
  • Serene location in Waikato, surrounded by lush rolling hills.

With multiple teachers and multiple learning groups, this camp will accommodate drummers of all levels, ensuring everyone benefits from our fantastic line up of teachers.

Location

Narrows Park Christian Camp, 442 Airport Rd, Hamilton
Tel. (07) 843 6862

Comfortable bunk-style log cabins
Camp sites available if preferred
Big communal kitchen with utensils and cutlery
Large performance hall with fireplace
Bonfire area  

Programme

FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER

5:00pm – 7:00pm – Arrive and settle in. Meet and greet.
7:00pm – 9:00pm – Introductions and all in workshop.
9:00pm onwards : Socialising and good ol’ fashion jamming – Plenty of melodic exploration so bring your Ngoni, Mbira etc

SATURDAY 14 OCTOBER

10:00am – 12:30pm – Group breakaway sessions – Drumming
12:30pm – 2:00pm – Lunch
2:00pm – 3:15pm – All in DunDun Workshop
3:30pm – 5:00pm – Group breakaway – Drumming
5:30pm – 6:30pm – African Dance
7:30pm – 7:30 pm – Communal African Style dinner prepared by Yaw.
8pm Onwards – A performance by community teachers, followed by an interactive percussion based dance party.

SUNDAY 15 OCTOBER

9:30 – 11:15 – Break away groups – Drumming
11:15 – 12:15 – African dance
12:15 – 1:15 – Lunch
1:15 – 2:15 – Break away groups – Drumming
2:30 – 3:00 – Final group performance of rhythms we have learnt over the weekend.
3:00 – 5:00 – Pack up and depart.

Rates

Payable as cash on the weekend

Adult Rate: $270
Early Bird Rate:  $240 (early bird rate expires 13 August)
Camping rate (no bed included): $240

Drum Hire (booking required): $10
Communal African Dinner Sunday night: $10 (Must book in advance)
Optional Linen Hire: $20

** Food not included except Saturday night communal dinner extra $10
**Accommodation included in ticket price.

Please note Kids (up to 15 years) are very welcome to come along and participate. We simply ask that you cover the accommodation costs for them ($80)

FAQs

What should I bring?

-A drum if you have one, if not you can hire one for $10
-BYO food/drinks (Venue has a large commercial kitchen) *Except for Sunday night communal dinner if you choose to join us (please book in early)
-Shoes to dance in
-Sleeping bag and pillow
-Warm clothes

I’m an absolute beginner, can I come along?

Sure! We welcome beginners and our sessions will suit you. It’s a great chance to mingle with those who have been drumming longer and pick up tips and tricks from peers

What’s the address?
Narrows Park Christian Camp, 442 Airport Rd, Hamilton

Bookings

Please book in early to ensure your spot!

Tickets available to purchase online here

Family and group rates are available – please ask us for more info

For more info contact Nathan Bregmen

info@africandrumming.co.nz

ph: 021 1567712

Meet the teachers..

Yaw

Born In Ghana Africa, Yaw has lived, breathed and studied African Drumming and music his whole life. He was a member or the Pan-African Orchestra for over 10 years and has performed all over the world in both traditional and fusion groups collaborating with people such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Francis Fuster, Andy Summers and Oren Marshall along the way. Before moving to New Zealand, Yaw has taught classes in London for almost 20 years, and now we are lucky to have him here, creating this exciting opportunity to study with a master of his craft.

Bassidi Koné

Hailing from Mali, West Africa, Bassidi Koné belongs to the Bwa ethnicity and was born into a Griot family in the San region of central Mali. From a young age, he was deeply influenced by his father’s primary instrument, the balafon. Bassidi's journey took him to Bamako, where he honed his skills as a percussionist, particularly on the djembe. He founded the percussion troupe, Bwazan, which is now recognized as one of Mali’s leading percussion groups. Internationally, Bassidi has collaborated with diverse ensemble groups, infusing various genres with his rich musical heritage. He has been part of milestone performances globally, including the Percussive Arts Society International Convention and the Desert Song Festival in Central Australia.

Nathan Bregman

Recently back from a 2 month study tour of west africa, Nathan Bregmen has been playing drums for over 20 years, and has been studying african drumming for around 10 years. Captured by the ability of african drumming to build community and bring people together playing music in a short space of time, the African Drum has quickly become Nathans instrument of choice. His light hearted but attentive teaching style has quickly made him a favourite with many students around the country.

Jimi Dale

Jimi has been teaching African Drum and Dance classes in Auckland and around NZ since 1995 and was one of NZ’s first African music enthusiasts. Recently his passion has been working with the part that melody has to play together with rhythm. He also loves being creative with singing, drums, dance and stories. You may have seen Jimi performing as part of his band Tamani, a world music and dance group he put together who have performed at many events all over NZ. Jimi loves the way African Drumming can bring people together, and how a simple groove and song can get people dancing.