Experience African Culture with Dance and Drum Workshops

Cheza Nami and Rhythmix partner for two workshops with master instructors in African drum and dance - perfect for all experience levels

When: Saturday, March 16, 2013
Drum: 12:30 - 2:00pm; Dance: 2:15 - 3:45pm
Where: Rhythmix Cultural Works
2513 Blanding Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501
Info:  (510) 865-5060 
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Drum workshop (Ages 13 and up)
12:30pm - 2:00pm am ($20 per person) 

No prior knowledge of drumming or musical skill is necessary. Join master drummer Ibrahima (Ibou) N'gom in this workshop that provides a wonderful way to explore music, culture and promote togetherness. Drummers learn simple rhythms and progress to more complex notes and beats. Bring your drum or borrow one of ours. This unique cultural and recreational experience is not one to miss! 


Dance workshop (Ages 13 and up)
2:15pm - 3:45pm
This workshop is appropriate for all levels. Join Julia Chigamba to experience the beauty of traditional African dance and move to the beat of live African drumming. It's a great work out! Dancers complete the workshop in three separate phases: Phase 1 includes a thorough warm up; Phase 2 energizes the mind and body while participants learn choreographed African dance movements; Phase 3 includes calming to cool down the body. Note: Dance is barefoot so wear comfortable clothing that allows free movement.

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Meet the master instructors for these workshops

Julia Chigamba

Julia Tsitsi Chigamba is a master dancer, singer, and instrumentalist from Zimbabwe. She grew up in the rich tradition of generations of dancers and musicians specializing in individual and community ceremonies. Julia's father, Tute Chigamba, is a respected Gwenyambira (mbira master) and her mother, Laiza Chigamba, was a traditional dancer and musician. Julia's sister, Irene Chigamba, was a member of the National Dance Company Of Zimbabwe and founder of Young Zimbabweans. In the 80's, after Zimbabwe gained independence, the Young Zimbabweans became the Mhembero Dance Troupe and Julia became a member. Julia moved to the U.S. in 1999 and founded the Chinyakare Dance Ensemble and Tawanda MuChinyakare in 2000. Tawanda MuChinyakare is a bridge between cultures, tribes, elders, youth and ancestors that seeks to introduce new cultural perspectives, strengthen positive aspects of heritage and expand cultural imagination. Julia's classes provide an opportunity for students to learn and experience traditional African dance and rhythms and to learn about the culture, the language and the vocal traditions of the Shona Tribes of Zimbabwe. Julia is eager to pass on the knowledge of her family and to bring the traditional wisdom and culture of Zimbabwe to the Western Hemisphere.

Video Courtesy of Jononoh. Julia teaching class, Alonzo Lines in SF Oct 6th, 2012. 

Ibou Ngom

Ibrahima (Ibou) N’gom facilitates community drumming and dancing with adults and students of all ages. He has worked with and performed for elementary through high school students, at-risk youth and university students. He is a SPECTRA Resident Artist. Ibou speaks English, Spanish, French and his native Wolof. His group Domu Africa is a favorite in Santa Cruz and the Bay Area. Together they bring the sights and sounds of Senegal alive through traditional music and dance performances. With his set of student sized instruments Ibou can turn any room into an African drum corp. His patient and friendly teaching style makes him a popular teacher. Born into a Griot family of traditional musicians in Senegal, West Africa, he has been carrying on his family’s musical lineage since childhood. Ibrahima toured with two prominent Senegalese dance companies, the 2nd National Ballet of Senegal and the Ballet Sinomew before coming to the Unites States seven years ago. Since then Ibou has been working to share his native culture’s music and dance traditions with US audiences and especially students. He is available to lead classes in dance and/or accompany other musicians. 

Video courtesy of Cheza Nami. Ibou facilitating a community drum circle in Livermore Feb 14, 2013