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MBIRA- MARIMBA- AND DRUM WORKSHOPS

These events are focused on training in mbira, drumming or marimba music. In this workshop which is appropriate for any age or size, participants will learn about Southern African cultural music. This involves storytelling, learning to play together, how to sing along to mbira and marimba songs, dances that go with specific songs and original lyrics.

Zimbabwean Drumming Workshop: Learn a variety of different African grooves that fit with some of the traditional songs of Shona culture.

Traditional Dancing Workshop: Traditional dancing and music of the Shona, Pedi, Venda, Tswana tribes and the Ngetekete tribe from Mozambique.

Djembe Drumming Workshop: Every participant gets a drum and is taught the basic sounds and techniques as well as how to play several rhythms and cross rhythms together. Normally it runs for the period of an hour, but we can put together a package to suit your needs, budget and event. Suitable for: children’s parties, weddings, anniversaries, launches and team building, year end functions, birthday parties, formal and informal get-togethers, kitchen teas and corporate events.

Team Building Workshop: All the members of the team get an instrument and are taught how to play their instruments. They are taught basic exercises & techniques, many rhythms, cross rhythms, fun activities and complex styles.

Drumming Circle Workshop: Drumming circles can be held at various venues where friends meet, strangers become friends, stress is released and fun is had. Under the moon you can enjoy a beautiful night sky around a warm bonfire. Facilitation takes place to get everyone playing together and to introduce a range of instruments to the circle, creating a dynamic mixing pot of sounds and experiences.

Teaching marimba lessons at schools as an after-school program: In this program I offer schools to teach students to play the marimba at their schools as an after-school program. Students get the opportunity to learn to play the marimba, to play music, to sing and to dance. It aims to provide a meaningful activity as an after-school program where students can develop their creative and social skills.

Helping to establish a marimba teaching center in schools or communities: In this program I will help you to start your own marimba center in your community or school until you will be ready to manage it all by yourself.

Formation of marimba bands and playing concerts: To play in a professionally trained and managed marimba band not only needs a lot of musical talent and skills, it also needs a lot of practice and managerial know-how. Furthermore, a good networking and solid computer literacy are essential to organize concerts and online shows. In all these tasks, I will be not only teaching the students to play the marimbas but also helping or teaching them to improve useful skills such as persistency, patience, empathy, teamwork and reliability.

Online Live-Shows via the platform “Socially Distant Fest”: This platform was created to give entertainers the opportunity to offset some of their financial loss after the COVID-19 pandemic and to provide entertainment to those who were isolated or quarantined. Go and have a look. Treat yourself to a live show where you can interact not only with the band, but also with the other viewers – a very special kind of music experience! https://www.facebook.com/dankusaya/videos/2789129998076451