Our first ever drum and dance camp
Our first ever drum and dance camp has been building momentum since we decided to take the plunge back at the beginning of the year. Now we are super excited to officially launch Camp Afro Foli which includes world-class artists from Africa and Australia in a 3 day retreat in the lush Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Three days of movement, fun, cultural workshops, African food, international and interstate artists, performances and lots more will hit the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in July 14th-16th. Enjoy beautiful bush surroundings, world class talent and be immersed in West African culture with workshops in djembe, dancing, dundun drumming and dundun dancing. Loads of action to choose from and the promised gift of rhythm for your hands and your feet.
Meet Bassidi Koné and Mohamed Bangoura:
West African star Bassidi Koné from Mali will be teaching and performing his phenomenal skills and world class talent in Djembe and Balaphon.
Bassidi Koné is a humble man, quiet in manner, and softly spoken. Born into a griot family, Bassidi has been playing the djembe and balafon from a young age learning alongside his father. When he teaches his hands tell an ancient story and his smile shares it with the world.
Then there is Bassidi on stage. Eyes as bright as life, hands as fast as time and culture so rich in blood. What a show! Lighting his fire on instruments so close to his heart.
Mohamed Bangoura aka ‘Bangourake’ from Guinea, West Africa has been sharing his culture and incredible drum and dance skills in countries all over the world and for many years. Mohamed will be teaching and performing West African dancing and dundun dancing at Camp Afro Foli Drum and Dance Retreat
Mohamed’s workshops are fun, dynamic and loaded with fabulous choreography. His years of teaching to so many different cultures around the world gives him a unique edge when sharing his culture.
Drum and Dance Camp – An overview
The retreat will begin lunchtime on Friday with drum and dance workshops with Yenenesh Nigusse (Ethiopia) and Adama Doumbouya (Ivory Coast) followed by a shared meal and drum circle by the fire in the lush Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Wake up Saturday and start your day with an early Yoga session and with a beautiful stretch to prepare you for the days action. Saturday will be non-stop back to back workshops with Bassidi Koné (Mali) and Mohamed Bangoura (Guinea) in West African dance, drumming, dundun dancing and dundun drumming. Then feed you body and soul with lunch prepared by Renae’s Pantry. If you feel to take a break and walk to the falls, swim in the pool, play some tennis or basketball or just lay in the sun there is no pressure to stick by any schedule. The weekend is yours to enjoy, indulge, relax and have fun. Saturday night is party night with a delicious African feast prepared by Homegrown Cafe and a spectacular show with all African artists, Foli Kan and the Muso Foli Dance Troupe. This will be our Camp Afro Foli Dundunba!
Sunday begins with a yoga session to refresh and centre you for another full day of workshops in both West African drum and dance with Bassidi and Mohamed. Take a midday break with another beautiful lunch catered by Renae’s Pantry and finish the day with final workshops, grooved hands and danced feet!
Give your body, your mind and and your senses a mid winter treat! Join us by the fire, eat authentic food, dance and drum to your souls content and connect with others through the gift of rhythm. Experience this unique opportunity on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in July 2017.
To Book:
Don’t forget to BYO Friday night dinner for a shared meal and BYO both Saturday and Sunday breakfast. We recommend pre-prepared dinners/breakfasts to avoid queues with cooking.
You can bring your drum or hire one for the camp duration.
You can read more about Camp Afro Foli here
You can purchase your spot and check out all the ways to be involved for Camp Afro Foli here
