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Originating from Ghana and pronounced “us-la-twa,” the aslatua is played by holding and shaking one gourd in the palm while swinging the second gourd around. The simple and traditional percussive instruments are usually played in pairs (one in each hand) and are capable of producing complex polyrhythms.

We have two types of aslatua here at African Drumming
1. The master series, which is our premium aslatua. Filled with seeds and handmade with a thicker string for the traditional, rich and sandy sound.
2. The standard, which are filled with pebbles for a crisp, percussive sound.

View our aslatua range here

Hey everyone! Due to the recent Melbourne lockdown 2.0 we are postponing our onsite St Kilda classes until further notice. 
Online classes are still available on Tuesday nights via Zoom for beginners and intermediates, and our next cycle begins on August 11th.

Register here

Our handpans, which are inspired by the traditional hang drum, are some of our most popular and prized instruments here at African Drumming. Played by hand, rather than sticks or mallets, the handpan drum has a rich, intimate sound, full of emotion and depth. There is no specific technique or style in the art of playing a handpan and a player with patience and an open mind will be rewarded with deep layers of complexity to explore. We have a range of handpans for sale in both the master and primo series range, available in different keys and prices. Also, if you’re looking for a complimentary instrument for yoga, pilates or a sound bath, the handpan is the perfect instrument for you as they are incredibly mediative and have proven calming effects.

View our handpan range here

From July 1st – 14th, our entire dunun range is available online and in-store for 20% off: big, small, hardwood, light weight, full sets or just one offs of any size!

How do I get 20% off?
Easy! Just use the coupon code dundun at checkout to claim.

Some of our duns are too big for standard post. If that’s the case, we’ll ask you to email us your postal address, and find the cheapest way to get them to your door.

Shop our dunun range now

📺 Simon introduces us to the Master series dun set: The Chief

Kicking off tonight (June 29), our St Kilda djembe classes are back for a brand new 6-week cycle. Offering both beginner and intermediate classes, our cycles are a fun and interactive study and appreciation of the djembe and West African music in general. Beginners will focus on learning basic technique, groove development, ear training and basic musical concepts. Intermediates will explore different time signatures, prepare full arrangements and experiment with faster tempos.

Beginners @6.15pm – 7.45pm on Monday evenings
Intermediate @8pm – 9.30pm on Monday evenings

2020 Class Cycles: Our cycles run for 6 weeks
*If you miss both the 1st & 2nd week of a cycle, we recommend joining the following cycle

Cycle #5 – Join our classes on June 29th or July 6th
Cycle #6 – Join our classes on August 10th or August 17th
Cycle #7 –  Join our classes on September 21st or September 28th
Cycle #8 – Join our classes on November 2nd or November 9th

Do I need a djembe of my own?
If studying at St Kilda, we can offer you a free djembe during your classes. If you’d like to practise during the week outside of class, we can loan you a djembe for $20 per week. In the highly likely event that you fall in love with your djembe, we can help make it official with our Rent to Own plan. If you decide to buy the drum you’ve been renting, we’ll deduct the amount you’ve paid in hire fees from the total cost of the drum. We’ll keep your credit from the hire for up to 6 weeks after the last class you’ve attended.

How are you complying with the Victorian Government’s restrictions in response to covid-19?
○ We have a strict limit of 8 adult students per class
○ All of our drums will be wiped down and disinfected before each class
○ We will provide hand sanitiser to our students on entry to the shop
○ Our teachers will practise safe social distancing
○ We are monitoring government guidelines daily and will update when required

How can I help to keep myself and others safe during these classes?
○ Sanitise your hands upon entry to the shop – we will provide sanitiser
○ Please stay in your station and only use the downstairs bathroom
○ Avoid touching your face
○ Cough and sneeze into your elbow and discard of any tissues immediately
○ Practise safe social distancing at all times
○ Students are encouraged to bring their own djembe if they can

All bookings need to be made online.
Book now

We also offer online classes. Click here for more details

Our Professional Development courses have all moved online, and are perfect for those wanting to expand on their existing teaching skills and repertoire. Come study with us online and learn new African instruments, rhythms and games! 

Rhythm games
May 30th
West African songs & dance
June 13th
Drumming for social connectivity and mindfulness
August 22nd

Register today

Hey everyone, we’re now offering online kids drumming classes! Facilitated by Michael Naude, these group online classes will allow children to exercise their musical creativity and flair in an open, safe space.

Here’s what you need:
A zoom online account: Easy-to-use and free software that connects people together online
A desktop computer with a microphone and speakers or a laptop
A djembe, set of bongos or a darbuka. Don’t worry if you don’t have one of these – a tin can or bucket will suffice!

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No prior experience necessary, and parents are welcome to join in too!
Click here for registration and class details