Autumn Drum n Dance Retreat
“Salaka” Drum n Dance Ensemble from Ghana.
Australian Tour - 2 Day Camp Aug 2/3 @ Log Cabin Camp, Creswick (near Daylesford).
Come and Share the wonderful spirit, music and culture of Ghana on this unique weekend.
Drum and Dance classes for Beginner to advanced, African Singing lessons and Storytelling, Yoga, Bonfire jams and more.
8 x Log Cabins with Ensuites and heating. Kid friendly
(trampolines, ropes course). Friends and Family welcome just for the stay.
Cost: $195/175, includes all tuition and, Sat nights accommodation. (Fri night accom extra $35)
Day prices available:
1 day - $110/95
Family packages available. Friends and family welcome.
$100 for adults just comiong to watch.
Drum hire: $ 10 ( please let me know before the event)
What to bring: BYO food ( there is a big commercial kitchen with e'thing) , sleeping bag and pillow.
Directions from Melbourne:
Leave freeway at Midland Highway (A 300) exit at Ballarat. (Ballarat Bypass)
Turn right and cross over freeway.
Then continue on this road into Creswick (Approximately 15 kms from exit).
Once in Creswick, turn left into Victoria Street.
Turn right at roundabout just past railway line and follow Luttet St (Ascot Road) 3 kms. from roundabout to Log Cabin Christian Camp entrance on left.
Melways 609 Ref A 10
Biography of The Salaka Ensemble
The Salaka Ensemble (previously known as Noko Yedzen) was formed by Master Drummer Tuza in Nungua, Ghana, in the mid 1990's - when the members were still very young teenagers. Whilst Tuza was working and developing his skills with Ghana’s top national cultural troupe The Dance Factory, he would devote time every afternoon to training the Salaka members, teaching rhythms and dances learned from local elders and community cultural groups. The name Salaka means "sharing" and the aim of the group was to share traditional knowledge with the younger generation to preserve the rich musical traditions of Ghana.
Salaka quickly grew into a professional and exciting display of culture, performing at festivals, funerals and special events in Accra. Salaka have won numerous awards and represented their tribe (Ga people) at various national drum and dance competitions including “Kiddafest” and “Funworld”. Salaka recently performed for President Kufuor at his castle in the capital of Ghana, and were chosen to lead the performances at Ghana's 50th anniversary independence celebrations at Black Star Square (Ghana's national venue). The Centre for National Culture of Ghana recognises Salaka as a tour de force of their community.
Salaka perform and teach for locals and visitors and are proud to pass their knowledge onto the next generation. Many of them are also supporting their parents and extended families through income earned from drumming and dancing, making their parents proud. Salaka are involved annually in the “Rhythm Power” tour run by Ekome Tours. This tour involves drum and dance enthusiasts from Australia travelling to Ghana to learn music from authentic Ghanaian musicians. Salaka share their performance / teaching expertise with tour participants, running daily classes and performing for the visitors.
Alima is a Master Dancer and light percussion player. She began dancing at the age of 12, touring Holland twice with the Ghana Junior All-Stars. She joined Salaka in 2005 and has quickly learned the traditional dances of the community of Nungua, as well as sharing her own regions drum and dance traditions. She brings a wonderful knowledge and excellent performance ability as well as great stage presence to the ensemble.
Sammy was one of Salaka's original members, training in dance since he was a child under the tutelage of Master Drummer Tuza. He has continued to teach and perform with Salaka for the past 15 years and has been a full time dancer with Salaka since leaving school. His strength and expertise in his field, and intimate knowledge of his community traditions are valued greatly in the ensemble. He is a dedicated and extremely strong dancer, with great stamina and attention to detail. Sammy is one of Salaka’s integral members and the lead male dancer.
Odai began singing with the Nungua Apostolic Church when he was a child. As a teenager he joined Salaka becoming one of its founding members. He has dedicated himself to the ensemble, leading the vocals and percussion for the past 15 years. Odai has also worked with the Abladei Group (now based in the UK), performing with them locally and was featured on their CD Mobo Bi.
