African Bands, Musicians & Performers

If you are looking for African bands, drummers and dancers, look no further. We have ensembles suitable for festivals, conferences, weddings, complex openings, parties and more.

We also have a talented team of African models, actors and Witch Doctors! All our acts offer you the chance to get involved with an interactive experience. Yes, you can drum and dance with us, just ask us how.

To hear our music or for more photos please email simon@africandrumming.com.au and we will send you a soundbite of any of our groups.

We organise regular gigs in all capital cities and regional centres on the east coast.

Ensembles Available

Ouaga — Contemporary Tribal Soul
Perfect for stage shows, festivals and community events, corporate functions and weddings. (Dancers optional)

Ouaga (pronounced "Waga") fuse beautiful, driving rhythms with soaring vocal harmonies, flute, saxaphone and didgeridoo. Supported by their choreographed dance posse, Ouaga is a versatile and experienced ensemble that includes both local and African born musicians. Ouaga are legendary in Melbourne for their infectiously groovey dance music and high energy stage shows . They also specialise in melodic ambient African music which is popular at weddings and as background music for corporate events.

Listen to Ouaga Live by clicking play below or at Google Video.

Zazu — African Drum & Dance
Perfect fo roving performances, festivals and community events, corporate functions and weddings.

Zazu are a well-renowned African Drum and Dance Ensemble who play the party music of West Africa. Their legendary high energy gigs incorporate traditional african dance, plus african acrobatics, comedy and theatre.

Agogo — Ambient African Ensemble
Perfect for roving performances, small parties, formal functions and weddings.

Agogo are a three piece ambient african ensemble comprising Simon Fraser on lead djembe, Mady Keita on bass drum (Dun Dun) and Dan Richardson on flutes and wind. Agogo encapsulate all the energy of traditional West African music with driving polyrhythms and the spirit of the southern Sahara with bluesy melodies and songs.

Rhythms of Fire — Drum and Fire Show
Perfect for high impact events ( indoor or outdoor)

Add a spectacular visual element and high energy drumming to your event with Rhythms of Fire, a fire show choreographed to the tribal rhythms of West Africa, which includes fire twirling, fire fingers, fire breathing and sensual fire displays.

Standard Outfit: 1 twirler and 2 drummers. Bigger ensemble available on request.

"Sessi" — Festival & Fete Specialists
Perfect for festivals, markets, school fetes and community events.

"Sessi" - The festival, fete and street parade specialists. Sessi are an advanced student ensemble led by seasoned professional teachers and have performed at over 50 Melbourne events including Moomba. They are as many as 20 drummers and dancers and look awesome in traditional costumes.

Interactive Shows
Perfect for festivals, private parties and community events.

If you want to be part of the action just let us know. We can combine our performance with an interactive experience for you, bring drums and shakers for as many people as you like and turn your party into a festival for everyone. It can be as formal or informal as you like. Learn a rhythm or just jam along with us!

Recent Gigs

Ouaga

Brunswick Festival 2007,8,9
Australian Film Industry – Members night, Prince of Wales St. Kilda
South African Airlines promotion, Crown Casino 2008
AFL Pre Grand Final Lunch, Crown Casino and Grand Final after party, Punt Rd Oval 2007
Lion King theatre opening and DVD promo events 2006
Knox City and Victoria Gardens Complex openings
Power Passion and Profit - Anthony Robbins Seminar -Rod Laver Arena

Zazu

2009 Harvest Festival at Hanging Rock
Make Poverty History - Melbourne City Square
With International touring Group, Wala @ Hifi Bar, Feb 2003/4/5/6
Sustainable Living Festival @ Federation Square 2007,8,9
Aug 2003/4/5 @ Esplanade Hotel with West African touring groups Mohata and Wala
Globe to Globe World Music Festival 2003
High Street Festival, Northcote
2002 Fringe Festival @ The Gooch Club

Rhythms of Fire

Opening of Vic. National Gallery Bar
Annual Conference of Event Managers, Melb 2007
Werribee Zoo Open Day 2007
Donvale Festival 2006

Agogo

2006 Commonwealth Games – Opening and closing ceremonies, plus daily performances
Footscray Westside Festival 2008
Opening of Westgarth Cinema 2008
RMIT African Open Day 2009
Lots of private parties and weddings