African Drumming Teacher Profiles

Simon Fraser — Director / Principal Teacher

Simon has drummed his heart out for three decades. Starting at plastic drum-kits and pots n pans, he's traversed myriad styles and found his passion in West African rhythms. Annual trips to West Africa since the mid 90's have seen him collaborate with some of the regions' great percussionists — from The Senegalese and Malian Ballets to Les Visages des Guinea, Soulamane Kouly's Koteban from Ivory Coast and Ghana's "Salaka". Simon continues to travel to satisfy his thirst for new music and culture and takes students to his second home in Ghana every January for a 4 week intensive.

His love and knowledge of rhythm translates to his teaching where he focuses on rapid improvement, honoring tradition and having fun. Check out his band "Ouaga" when in Melbourne — They Rock!

See Simon's Full Bio

Boubacar Gaye

In Senegal, at the budding age of 14, inspired by the musical mentors around him, Bouba laid his hand to the skin of the drum. As a member of the infamous Mama Afrika and under the guidance of ballet professor Joseph-Raphael Bouschanzl, Bouba's skills and passion grew quickly and earnestly and soon he was also a member of the renowned Foret Sacre Ballet at Dakar's most famous cultural centre - Blaisse Senghor

In 1997 Bouba ventured into Europe and then onto Japan where he established himself as one of the leading African percussionists. Bouba's talents and persistance have seen him direct ensembles that have reached international audiences. With an energy and peace of mind that resonates from deep within - Boubacar Gaye speaks 1000 words with his drum.

Mady Keita

Mady Keita began his drumming tutelage under the guidance of the legendary Mouriba Keita. From the age of fourteen, Mady studied the traditional rhythms of his people - The Bambara tribe from Mali. Steeped in a heritage of djembe, dun, calabash and song, Mady soon became an active member of local Bamako outfits Ballet Bimba and The Ballet National. He graduated to chief percussionist of "Shemin de Fer" and starred in "Troupe Saura" - a music and theatre production in Bamako. Later Mady began his own Ensemble, "Manding percussion" and continued to work as a renowned freelance percussionist with the likes of Rokia Traore. Mady is a patient and dedicated teacher with a wealth of knowledge of authentic Manding rhythms.

Alena Schneider

Alena has just graduated from the prestigious Victorian College of the Arts. Since starting on drumkit at the age of 10, she has fuelled her instrument ADD by branching out into all sorts of classical, mallet and African percussion. Alena has taken two extended tours to Ghana where she has played and studied with renowned members of cultural group "Salaka" ....Alena hopes to one day own a two storey house where the top floor is completely dedicated to drums.

Jeremy Prentice

Answering the call in late 2006, Jeremy has been following the djembe path ever since. With a deep respect for the spirit and traditions of djembe, he continues his journey with some of the best teachers in Melbourne, primarily Mady Keita, Simon Fraser and Simon Lewis. Spending over two years as leading Purple Dog Rhythms, Jeremy gained invaluable insight in directing a drumming ensemble, coupled with some broad experience in performing.
His strong passion for sharing the heart of djembe, a love of teaching, and a willingness to always learn more combine to create a class that is as challenging as it is rewarding.

Matt Young

Matt's interest in percussion was inspired by the alluring sounds of the North Indian tabla, however, his interests soon turned to the djembe, and the more community oriented spirit embodied in West African music. He traveled to Ghana in 2001 and has been teaching at African Drumming since 2004. When he's not drumming Matt teaches meditation, and this is evident in his calm and patient approach to teaching djembe. Matt is an enthusiastic and encouraging teacher and his classes are light-hearted and fun. Under his gentle guidance you'll find yourself playing comfortably and competently in no time at all.

Ben Coleman

Ben fell head first into West African drumming several years ago and has kept up his passion whilst living in Melbourne by playing and studying with the likes of Master Guinean Djembefola Aliou Sylla, and Simon Fraser and Simon Lewis. Ben's spirit is uplifting and infectious and his classes are always packed with good vibes.

Appiah

Ghanaian born drummer and dancer, Appiah, has mastered the diverse culture of Africa and represents the beauty of Ghana with his telling dance style. He performs with precision, skill and high energy which creates a joyful and exciting experience within his classroom. He has newly arrived in Melbourne after travelling to London to perform in a new West End show, ‘Stormforce’ African beat Irish feet. While abroad he has continued to maintain his 15 piece drum and dance company, Asanti Dance Theatre, based in Cape Coast, Ghana. With a strong history of teaching African drum and dance, afro hip hop, freestyle, afro contemporary and afro aerobics to all ages and abilities he is now sharing his skills, culture and passion with the Australian community and is in very high demand.

Djulz Chambers

Djulz began studying and performing West African percussion in Melbourne several years ago. Since experiencing her first attraction to the dynamic energy of percussion ensembles she has travelled throughout West Africa extensively, studying with master drummers and musicians in Mali, Ghana and Burkina Faso. Based in Melbourne, Djulz continues to study and perform with some of Melbourne’s most renown artists in the field including Mady Keita, Bouba Gaye, Sayon Souare and Simon Fraser. Her great love of the djembe and of African culture exudes an infectious energy and creates a fun learning environment in her classes.

Peter Lee

Pete has been involved in the Melbourne music scene as a drummer/percussionist for many years, working with many different artists. He is now focussing on teaching and performing West African percussion on the Mornington Peninsula. Classes for all levels are held weekly in Balnarring and a new class has now started in Mornington. Pete's student groups always impress at our regular TRIBALISM events.

Nicole Lewis

Nicole started classical training in music early, playing flute in concert bands and later for the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra. The switch to percussion began slowly with the purchase of the first djembe at Bondi Beach in the early nineties and from there the addiction took hold.Back in Bendigo now with her husband and two children Nicole travels to visiting teachers workshops, such as Paa Brown, King Marong, Lamine Sonko and currently studies djembe weekly with Simon Fraser.

Claire Toohill

As a vibrant performer, Claire Toohill has lit upstages across Australia and performed with many respected artists. Gracing the stages at major music festivals such as Woodford, Merideth and Folk Rhythm & Life, Claire is also at the forefront of Melbourne’s Hip hop and African Dance scene. In her 20 years of dancing Claire has explored many dance styles: contemporary, funk, hip hop, tap and West African. It was in 2003 Claire fell in love with West African rhythm, training with master dancers Lamine Sonko, Mohamad Bangoura and Nabe Bangoura. Going on to perform with acclaimed groups ‘Asiko’, ‘Za Zu’, ‘Shekere’ and more recently ‘Le Phat’. As a teacher Claire creates a lively and inclusive space in her classes, allowing participants to break free from nerves and dance like no ones watching!

Sayon Souare

Sayon dedicated his passion and talent to the traditional African arts of music and dance from a very young age in Guinea. As his parents are both accomplished performers themselves he studied djembe and dun with local masters from a young age beofore venturing into Bolon – a traditional hunter’s harp. Sayon’s gift for dance and choreography as well as music and song led to years spent with several ballet companies in Senegal, Guinea and Gambia. He was then sought by Ballet African (Gambia) for his skills in arranging music and choreography. Now based in rural Victoria, Sayon Souare is simply sensational!

Bruno De Moura Floriano — Treinel Of Capoeira Angola

Bruno - ‘Gingadinha’ as he is known in the world of Capoeira – began Capoeira in 1990 with Mestre Celso da Rainha in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. After completing 10 years of training, Bruno graduated as a Teacher of Capoeira and n 2007 he received the title of Treinel from Mestre Mano.
Gingadinha’s methodology of teaching Capoeira is through Capoeria Angola.
Recently arrived in Melbourne, Gingadinha brings not only a highly energetic and dedicated approach to Capoeria, but the positive vibe of the Brazilian people; specifically the Afro-Brazilian culture.
Gingadinha also performs various music and dances related to Capoeira, such as Maculele and Samba de Roda, and is a creative artisan of all things Capoeira, for example, making and painting Berimbaus."Capoeira da vida!’
Check out Bruno on U-Tube