African Drumming School Workshops | Super Mande Percussion

African drumming school workshops in Melbourne

Bring your classroom alive with the rhythms, culture and movement of West Africa.

African drumming incursions for schools across Melbourne and beyond

From pre-schoolers to Year 12 students, our African drumming school workshops are hands-on, joyful and curriculum-friendly. Led by master drummer Mady Keita from Mali, each incursion connects students through rhythm, culture and lots of fun.

These aren’t just drumming sessions – they’re full cultural experiences. Students explore West African drumming, dance, singing and storytelling, all supported by live traditional instruments.

At Super Mande Percussion, we offer the following:

Single session African drumming incursions
Multi-session African drumming programs
African drumming for the whole school

Our programs are designed to complement your curriculum. Let us know what you need to meet your current requirements, and we’ll help you tailor an engaging, fun and educational workshop.

Each workshop is open to people of all ages and abilities and is available in Melbourne, Victoria, and Australia.

Enquire now

Choose the right African drumming incursion for your school

Single African drumming workshop
A high-energy 30-60 minute
cultural workshop where students explore West African drumming, singing,
dancing and storytelling.
Each session includes:
- A live welcome and drumming demonstration
- Brief intro to West African culture and instruments
- Hands-on rhythm building with traditional djembes
- A chance for students to create their unique rhythm
This workshop is ideal for
Harmony Day, Africa Day, NAIDOC week, or end-of-term events. It suits groups of any size or age, and all drums and instruments are provided.
Book a one-off workshop
Multi-session African drumming program for schools
Let your students go deeper into the rhythms of West Africa with a vibrant 4-6 week drumming, dance and singing program that builds skills, confidence and connection.
- Explore a range of African rhythms and instruments
- Build drumming skills, teamwork and listening
- Learn performance techniques and solo creation
- Create a fun and empowering group performance
It is perfect for enrichment programs, music extensions, or cultural learning blocks. It is fun
and inclusive for all students, and all instruments are provided.
Enquire about a workshop series
African drumming for the whole school
As one of our most popular
school incursions, our whole-school West African drumming days are vibrant,
inclusive and designed to bring your entire school community in rhythm.
- Choose from small rotating sessions, large group workshops or full-school
  celebrations
- Sessions can include drumming, singing, dancing and storytelling
- All students get a chance to play an instrument, so no one misses out
- Ideal for Harmony Day, Africa Day or multicultural events
Whether there are 30 students or 500+, we tailor the format to suit your group sizes, year levels, and timetables, making it easy for you and fun for every student.
Plan your school incursion

What students learn in our African drumming school incursions

Each tailored session offers more than just West African music and drumming – it’s a respectful, cultural journey.

Your students will explore:

✔️ The meaning behind West African rhythms and instruments

✔️ The role drumming has in African celebrations and community life

✔️ Confidence-building through participation and performance

✔️ Expression through movement, singing and improvisation

We use authentic instruments, such as djembes, dounouns, balafon (African xylophone), kora (African harp), and bolon (African bass), to bring all corners of West Africa to your classroom.

Enquire about learning outcomes

Why schools trust Super Mande Percussion

Your students will be guided by Mady Keita, a master drummer, teacher, composer, craftsman and cultural ambassador from Mali, West Africa. Mady has been sharing his culture
and rhythms for over 30 years, performing worldwide and teaching thousands of students across Australia.
Mady began drumming at 14, studying the traditional rhythms of the Bambara people. He later performed with Mali’s Ballet Babemba and The Ballet National before founding his ensemble, Super Mande Percussion.
Mady brings:
- Deep West African cultural knowledge and storytelling
- A gift for connecting with students of all ages
- A commitment to authenticity and inclusion
- Working With Children Checks and full public liability insurance
He’s passionate about passing on West Africa’s music, not just as sound but as a celebration of life, community, and connection.

Meet Mady Keita

What teachers say about our African drumming incursions

“A fabulous whole-school incursion which all the students and teachers really enjoyed... A day we'll never forget.”
Performing Arts Teacher
“Super Mande was fantastic! Fully engaged students, fun delivery, and it covered so much of our curriculum, even our PYP unit of inquiry.”
English/Humanities Teacher
“Kept foundation to Grade 6 kids super engaged for a whole hour. Every child had their own drum. Many staff said it was the best incursion we’ve ever had.”
Language Teacher

Explore more African drumming & music opportunities

Gigs & Events
Bring us in for fetes, lunchtime concerts, assemblies and more for a fun, uplifting experience.
Explore Gigs & Events
Teacher training
Great for music teachers looking to expand their curriculum and keep students engaged and energised.
Learn how to drum
Workshops for teachers & staff
Perfect for team-building and staff wellbeing days.
Enquire About Teacher Workshops