Join our African Drumming Courses for an Unforgettable Experience

West Africa is famous for its rich musical heritage, particularly its traditional drumming and dance styles. 

Music from this part of Africa is influenced by a diverse range of cultures and ethnic groups, each with its own traditions, languages and customs. It’s also renowned for its colourful festivals, ceremonies and traditional clothing.

Learning African drumming in London can be a deeply rewarding and enriching experience.

Our African drumming courses can teach you an art form that’s the result of rich cultural traditions and has a history stretching back hundreds of years in African societies.

African drumming

We specialise in drumming which is deeply rooted in African culture. Historians generally agree that this type of drumming was invented by the Mandinka (or Maninke) people in around 1300 AD.

Our name, Jahdiafolila, has a meaning close to our heart: Dia has embraced Rastafarian culture since his early teens. This is for the “Jah” … Jahdia. Rastafari use the terms Jah or sometimes Jah Jah as a term for the Lord God of Israel or Haile Selassie, who some Rastafari regard as the incarnation of the God of the Old Testament.

Folila means “music” or “come and play” in Bambara, a language in Mali. Malian musicians Amadou & Mariam also produced an album called “folila” in 2012. 

We offer both one-to-one and group sessions according to your needs. 

By learning this style of drumming, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural heritage and traditions of Africa. This style of drumming involves complex rhythms and patterns that have been passed down through generations. 

African drumming uses a wide range of styles, rhythms and techniques, so it enables you to use it for all kinds of musical genres, including jazz, reggae, and hip-hop.

Improve your physical and mental wellbeing this winter. 

Let’s face it, the winter months can be tough, especially in the city. Keeping the mind and body busy is essential for staying positive during this season.

We specialise in west African drumming that’s often physically demanding, requiring plenty of coordination and stamina. 

Regular practice is a wonderful way to take your mind off any troubles you might be having in your life. Drumming is one of the most cathartic forms of musical expression. It’s a fantastic way to reduce levels of stress and express yourself at the same time. 

African drumming encourages people to be creative and improvise. Once you pick up new skills, you can experiment with all kinds of rhythms and variations. Playing African drums is a joyous experience. It’s infused with infectious rhythms and the communal aspect of drumming can encourage feelings of happiness and oneness. 

Our African drumming courses are a great way to meet people in London.

London is often considered a difficult place to meet and bond with the locals. It’s a city where people rarely get to meet their neighbours. 

Come and play with Dia and meet people with similar interests, leading to group performances and collaborations. Learning to play in a group setting promotes teamwork, communication, and a sense of belonging within a community of fellow drummers.

Djembe lessons

Gain a global perspective with our Djembe lessons. 

Learning about African drumming is an excellent way to broaden your mind in 2024. It will connect you with musicians all over the world that are passionate about this type of music.Jahdia drumming will also provide skills that can be used on other musical instruments. 

Whether you’re interested in African drumming for its cultural significance, or wish to explore a new musical activity, we would love you to join us. You’ll discover a dynamic and vibrant art form that offers a range of benefits.

Find out more about our African drumming courses or don’t hesitate to contact our team for more information.