Djembe lessons in Dakar, at a traditional music workshop in the suburbs, at Thiaroye Gare: strokes, sequences and listening as a group, on Mandinka rhythms. One or two-hour sessions, private or group, djembe provided, beginners welcome.

Learning the djembe in a workshop

The lesson starts from the basics of playing: the different strokes, rhythmic sequences and listening as a group, on Mandinka percussion. You take it by the session, for one hour or two, as a private lesson or a group one depending on your preference. The price is per person, no level is required, and the lesson suits children.

The instruments are provided by the workshop: there is nothing to bring except comfortable clothing. The lesson is given in French or Wolof, so French-speaking visitors and regulars alike can follow without difficulty. The atmosphere is friendly and family-like, in an indoor lesson at the workshop.

It is advisable to book your slot in advance, whether private or group. For a first time, an hour is enough to get a feel for the strokes; two hours leave time to link them together, repeat and listen to the others, which is the heart of group playing.

A private lesson lets you progress quickly and at your own pace, which suits a resident who wants to settle into a practice; the group session gives a visitor the chance to play with others and leave with a few rhythms in mind.

Thiaroye Gare, in the Dakar suburbs

The workshop is at Thiaroye Gare, in the suburbs of Dakar. Allow for the journey from your starting point. The Dakar region gives the wider context of this peninsula and its suburbs.

After the lesson

After the lesson, the rhythm does not stop: the djembe naturally calls for dancing, and the African dance class combines well with it, as does singing and music. Other percussion workshops are available around the country. In the city, the Médina and the Plateau are easy to explore on foot to carry the rhythm on.