VoyeuRhythmic Teacher Profiles

Simon Fraser - Director / Principal Teacher

Simon Fraser 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. 8 African musical Odysseys 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 "Wala". Simon travels annually 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 at bottom


Matt Young

Matt YoungMatt'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 VoyeuRhythmic 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 ColemanBen 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.


Mady Keita

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 SchneiderAlena is currently studying music improvisation at the 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.


Boubacar Gaye

Born in the culturally and musically rich city of Dakar in Senegal, Boubacar gaye, for as long as he can remember, has been surrounded by the rhythmic joie de vivre of music. 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 - where he further immersed himself in music. In 1997 Bouba ventured across the West African borders - into Europe - where he took his dexterity, energy and musical talent and turned them into firey performances. In 1999, Boubacar took a plane to the oriental island of Japan - a place where he has since inhabited and is now one of the most garnered and respected African percussionists in and around Japan. As a result of his persistence, talent and travail Bouba has formed and partaken in a number of ensembles that have reached international audiences and destinations including Kaze (a collaborative project with Finnish contemporary dance company) and his very own Darl Salaam. With an energy and peace of mind that resonates from deep within - Boubacar Gaye speaks 1000 words with his drum.



Claire Toohill

Claire ToohillAs 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. Performing at hot music venues like the Spiegel tent, Night Cat, Spanish club and Arts Centre, to name a few.

In her 20 years of dancing Claire has explored many dance styles, her favorites being: 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!


Joseph Appiah Kojo Annan

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.


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.


Andrea Makris

Andrea, the co-director of Underbelly dance studio in Fitzroy, has been performing and teaching various styles of Belly dance since 1999. With a strong foundation in Greek music and dance, Andrea is experienced in folkloric and modern styles from Egypt, Turkey, Morocco and beyond and has been a popular choice for performances at festivals and special occasions. She has also toured in the USA with fellow Underbelly dancers and has studied in Egypt and London with master choreographers.


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 (a disciple of Mestre Artur Emidio, Traditional Capoeira Baiana e Carioca) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. After completing 10 years of training, Bruno was assessed by Mestre Artur Emidio and graduated as a Teacher of Capoeira with a blue level cord through F.C.E.R.J. (Federation of Capoeira, Rio de Janeiro). In 2003 Gingadinha entered the ‘School of Capoeira Angola, Flor da Gente’ under the tutelage of Mestre Mano (a disciple of Mestre Moraes, Group of Capoeira Pelourinho, Bahia,). In 2007 he received the title of Treinel from Mestre Mano.
Over many years Gingadinha has taught Capoeira to people of various ages and abilities, at institutes for the mentally and physically handicapped, at local and international schools, gyms, theatres and in public squares.
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!’

Simon Fraser - The full story ( well almost)
My percussive inspiration first came from my ex DJ Mum's penchant for tapping rhythms on the steering wheel of her yellow Mazda 323. From there a plastic drum kit appeared and at the age of 2, Mum and I had a tambourine and drum ensemble firing.
At 15 I decided to upgrade the kit and began lessons. A journey through Rock, Jazz and Funk studies followed. Many rudiments and dodgy pub and club gigs later later I found myself interested in hand percussion and started a residency at Redhead Nightclub playing a darabuka.

In 1998 my interest in hand percussion and a desire for something different, took me on a four-month study tour to Ghana, West Africa where I met members of touring groups Kusun Ensemble and Wala. I was pretty blown away by the role music plays in everyday life there. It is intertwined into all kinds of cultural ceremonies including weddings, funerals, circumcisions, and harvests.
I found the music challenging to understand, hard to play, energising to listen to soothing to be surrounded by. It was weird getting back to Melbourne afterwards and I felt slightly detached from society here for a while.
Whilst I kept busy freelancing as a drummer and percussionist back in Melbourne on return, and did a series of festivals and shows with Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter playing kit and hand drums, I was desperate to get back to West Africa.

At the start of 2000, I returned to continue my studies of traditional music. I spent 7 months studying in Ghana and Burkina Faso with Master Drummers from Ga, Ewe, Dagomba, Diola and Malinke tribes and began performing at ceremonies and festivals with Drum and Dance Ensembles. I returned again late 2001 for a 4-month tour of the region and performed in Mali and Guinea for the first time. This trip was full of interesting experiences as I drove my small Opell - modified with extra rear suspension - across 5 countries. I bribed my way across the region with broken French, pleading poverty as a musician. They didn't buy it!This journey was special for other reasons too as i was traveling with Abou "Kora" Keita. Kora played with Soulaman Coli's reknowned theatre - Koteban in Abidjian for over 7 years . I continued my studies with him whilst in Burkina and Mali . During our 4 week stint in Bamako i also took classes with lead drummer and dancer from the Malian Ballet , Mamadou Kante. Mamadou and i had a "love hate" relationship but i learnt alot from him!

Early 2003 Africa drew me back again where I studied with the Senegalese Ballet specializing in Talking Drum (Tama) and Sabar. Living with Bouly and Oumi Sonko and their family was an experience to be cherished. Bouly is the director of Les Ballet National de Senegal and Oumi , his wife was the first lead dancer with ballet many years ago. They introduced my to many amazing and generous people, of note , Medoun Houly, lead djembe drummer with the ballet who i played with every morning and arvo for 3 months. What a character and very passionate man. His roots come from the Senegalese, Malian border so my insight into Bambara music deepened over this period.
I also focused heavily on Sabaar and talking drum , both intrinsic parts of Wolof culture. They have languages of their own and require different approaches to learn .

It's important to note that each ethnique has its cultural and musical roots that differ from the next . The musical landscape change as you move from Senegal across and down to Ghana. All are proud of their music and will often tell you it's the best in Africa. It's hard to deny any of them.

It's fair to say, I'm addicted to the music of these African ethnicities. The cultural significance of the rhythms enhances the attachment one has to the music, as does the communal bond that comes with playing polyrhythmic rhythms. It's a wonderful feeling to "lose control" inside a song but still be an integral part of it.

In 2004 i returned for my 4th tour and commenced building a guesthouse in Accra, Ghana. My partner Tuza and i have always talked about sharing this culture with others and giving students access to great teachers and a beautiful community .

Tuza is lead percussionist with international touring group Wala. We want to provide an authentic African experience for those coming to his community.

My Melbourne based business, " VoyeuRhythmic - Center for West African Culture" is still focusing on tuition in traditional Drum and Dance. Regular workshops at the St Kilda studio location are punctuated with classes by visiting touring groups such as Wala from Ghana, and Sydney based Mohata that includes the Bangoura brothers Mohamed and Sibu from Guinea.

It feels different playing traditional music here as the context is not as fully understood, however when I play with my ensemble Zazu we respect the songs and rhythms we sing and acknowledge their heritage, whether we play them in strictly a traditional sense or draw from them to create something new.

In Jan 2005 , 13 drummers and dancers from Australia and the UK had an absolute ball , "going off" to the Ghanain music and culture on Ekome Tour's inaugral "Rhythm Power". Most will return , no-one will forget .The second Rhythm Power tour was fantastic with 22 wonderful people blending in with the locals . WE had two Irish and two Americans on board also !

Throughout this period i've stayed in touch with the developing contemporary music scene and worked on some exciting Dance, Hip Hop, and Folk Fusion projects.
In the middle of 2006 i spent two months in Paris hooking up with members of Nick Rowe Band - a French/Oz collaboration. Great jams , a few gigs and lots of creative head-space . A springboard for a new traditional Ensemble back in Melbourne was formed off the back of 6 weeks of writing.

"Ouaga" is an exciting new project that brings together years of indulgence in W.African musical styles. A mix of Ghanaian Highlife, Manding Djembe, and Funked up HipHop .

Current Projects
"Ouaga" - 5 piece Melb based Ensemble - Congas, Djembe, Talking Drum, Duns, Balaphon, Bell
Nick Rowe Band - French/Oz Afro Roots Dance Hop - Guitar, Vocals, Base, Keys, Kit, Percussion

Collaborative Past Projects and Shows -
Archy Roach and Ruby Hunter
Avalanches - Belle and Sebastian Rix Mix "I'm a Cookoo"
Nfa (1200 Techniques) - Solo Album
Zazu
Alive and Kicking Ch 7