Teaching dance steps and vocal parts that make up a particular dance or song. Introducing participants to Zimbabwean/South African singing and dancing styles. Informal sessions, performance geared workshops and residencies are also available.

I had something like 40 events in schools during the two weeks of our festival but Black Umfolosi was the most memorable one.- Education Co-ordinator,  Warwick & Leamington Festival 2002

Drumming & Dancing Workshops from 7 to 77 with Nickens Nkoso!

Drumming: Not only that drumming will keep you fit, it is also a great teambuilding exercise. It is ideal for people to learn how to work together in harmony. With Nickens you will learn the call-and-response basics alongside exciting rythms from Central Africa.

Dancing: Not Do you feel a bit tense when it comes to moving your hips? Then Nickens' workshops are ideal for you. Learn the steps which are shaking the whole of Africa's derrieres".

About the teacher: Born in Congo, Nickens has built his reputation as the king of Soukous Dance and Congolese Rumba working with all main Congolese superstars. Singer, songwriter and composer, Nickens is a fine drummer and the leader of the well respected Central African band Kasai Masai. He is also a well sought after session musician in the world music circuit all over the UK and teaches d'jembe, conga, percussions and dance routines.

Samba Dancing / Drumming / Parade -

Frankie teaches Samba dance, suitable for all age groups, although it is fairly physical! No partner needed. Pete teaches Samba drumming workshops, although this is less suitable for infants and small children. Some authentic Brazilian samba instruments can be provided. The dance and drumming can be combined (although separate practice space would be needed) possibly leading to joint performance/procession/parade

Latin and Afro-Cuban -

A presentation with some participation, e.g. hand clapping & singing, of the Afro-Cuban traditional sounds from which the globally popular salsa style emerged. Important instruments are demonstrated (e.g. claves, maracas, bongos etc.), as are some of the major styles (e.g. mambo, rumba, chachacha & son).

Multi Cultural - Songs from Around the World -

Collaboration between musicians from other parts of the world, and schools, to share songs, lyrics and musicmaking from this country and overseas, leading up to public performance.

World Music Presentations -

A one hour long whistle stop presentation of many instruments and styles from all over the world, including Cuba, Africa, the Caribbean, Louisiana, Brazil, Eastern Europe, Bluegrass music, Middle Eastern and island sounds - featuring guitar, saxophone, flute, clarinet, banjo, the Cuban guitar called the tres, accordion, ukulele, drums and percussion of all descriptions. Some participation (e.g. clapping and singing) and questions/answers are usual and encouraged.

The two of them are very flexible and can taylor-make workshops to suit the audience, suit the school curriculum or just to suit your general requirements!

Robert aims to promote African music, African literature and cultural diversity and understanding through his Drumming 4 Diversity project. Workshops include: 

African drumming and music using ngoma, djembes, talking drum, marimba, xylophone and other instruments.

African Literature using ancient African methods of story telling, poetry, dance and masks.

Through his workshop programme Robert aims to:

Encourage individual expression, imagination and creativity through arts activities.

Provide the opportunity to access an exciting new cultural experience

Enhance listening and concentration skills

Although based in New Zealand, the band's fusion music is inspired by the Pacific Islands, particularly the groups that comprise Tokelau,Tuvalu and Samoa, from whence the family of band leader Opetaia originally came. They were major influences on his upbringing and his songwriting.

The Tokelauan community provided musical inspiration; every gathering was an opportunity for people to sing and dance, and this mood is sustained in the evocative spirit of the band.

The addition of band members from many Islands in the South Pacific also helps to add flavours from all over Polynesia to the music and dance of Te Vaka.