Consistency Counts
Consistency Counts
It’s shaping up to be a really positive season for Unbeatable Energy.
- We’ve just delivered a fantastic Afro-Samba Drum Circle with Apis Assay Technologies—energising their whole team as part of a well-being initiative.
- Corporate energiser confirmed for Specsavers.
- Upcoming bookings with Wathwood Secure Hospital, Disley Primary, Sharples Primary and Good Shepherd Primary.
- A two-day rhythm programme planned for The Cherwell School in Oxford.
What ties all of this together? Consistency.
We’ve been delivering professional rhythm-based workshops since 2004—and that experience shows. Whether it’s Boomwhackers in a boardroom, a drum circle at a well-being day, or structured sessions in schools and secure units, we show up with clarity, presence, and purpose.
No gimmicks. No borrowed formats. Just rhythm delivered properly—with energy, experience, and care.
If you’re planning a team day or looking for a meaningful well-being experience for your organisation, get in touch. We’d love to bring the energy to your next event.
Afro-Samba Drum Circle for Apis Assay: A Celebration of Team Energy
Afro-Samba Drum Circle for Apis Assay: A Celebration of Team Energy
At Unbeatable Energy, we specialise in transforming team culture through rhythm – and this recent session with the brilliant team at Apis Assay Technologies was a perfect example of just how powerful drumming can be in the workplace.
If you’re enjoying my drumming tutorials and want to support future videos, you can buy me a coffee. Every contribution helps keep the rhythm going!
Apis invited us in to deliver one of our signature Afro-Samba Drum Circles as part of their company values celebration. The theme? TEAM – and what better way to explore that than through music, movement, and shared energy?
The Afro-Samba experience blends vibrant Brazilian-style percussion with West African call-and-response elements – an approach that instantly energises the room and draws everyone into a shared rhythm. Within minutes, a group of individuals becomes a connected ensemble, responding to cues, building trust, and – most importantly – having a lot of fun. We’re proud to support forward-thinking organisations like Apis, who understand that great teamwork goes beyond meetings and metrics – it’s also about creating moments of shared experience.
Why Afro-Samba works for corporate teams:
• It’s inclusive – no musical experience required
• It promotes active listening and collaboration
• It boosts morale and dissolves barriers
• It’s ideal for conference energisers, L&D days, and staff celebrations
Looking to bring your values to life or give your next company gathering an unforgettable twist? Let’s chat.
Tough But Tasty – A 5-Beat Djembe Roll from Abidjan
Tough But Tasty – A 5-Beat Djembe Roll from Abidjan
This week I’ve shared a new YouTube video featuring a solo roll I learnt from Sidiki Dembélé while in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮. It’s a 5-beat phrase that’s been rolling around in my hands (and head!) ever since — and I thought it was time to pass it on. This one’s a little tricky at first — hence the title Tough But Tasty — but it’s well worth the effort 🥁. Once you get the feel, it opens up some exciting soloing possibilities and a lovely sense of movement.
If you’re enjoying my drumming tutorials and want to support future videos, you can buy me a coffee. Every contribution helps keep the rhythm going!
A different feel to the 4-beat roll
If you caught the “Tiddlywink” 4-beat swing roll from a few weeks back, this new phrase heads in a different direction rhythmically. It’s tighter, and more angular — with a structure that could even be interpreted as a 6-beat phrase, depending on how you hear it. That’s part of what makes it so interesting.
In the video, I walk through the roll slowly, break down the slap placements, and finish with a play-along section to help you embed it in your own playing.
Sharing the journey
I’m always exploring new ways to develop solo phrasing and technique — and this roll has been a really enjoyable challenge. Sharing these ideas through video is part of how I keep the learning alive and offer something that others might find useful or inspiring in their own playing.
If you’d like to support the channel and help keep the rhythm flowing, you can buy me a coffee here:
https://buymeacoffee.com/unbeatableenergy
Thanks for reading — and happy drumming!
-Steve Rivers
New Beginner Djembe Lesson – Catching the Off-Beat Groove
New Beginner Djembe Lesson – Catching the Off-Beat Groove
If you’re just starting out with djembe or hand drumming, this one’s for you. In this new video lesson, I guide you through how to hear, feel, and play the off-beat — that slightly elusive but incredibly funky moment that happens just before the main beat lands. Think: “ANDAone, ANDAtwo…” If that sounds a bit mysterious, don’t worry — the lesson is designed to make it feel natural by the end.
If you’re enjoying my drumming tutorials and want to support future videos, you can buy me a coffee. Every contribution helps keep the rhythm going!
We start with body percussion (so you can follow along even without a drum), then explore different ways of playing the rhythm on the djembe, including bass note and grace note variations. And once it’s in your body, there’s a full rhythm you can groove along to.
This lesson is part of a growing series aimed at giving new drummers a strong sense of groove and confidence from the very beginning — no fast hands or fancy solos required! Timestamps are provided in the video description and pinned comment to help you jump to each section easily.
If you find it helpful, feel free to leave a comment, ask a question, or share it with someone else who’s just getting into hand drumming. And if you’d like to support future videos, you can buy me a coffee here: http://buymeacoffee.com/steverivers.
See you in the groove!
Unlocking the 4-Beat Roll – A New Djembe Solo Lesson
Unlocking the 4-Beat Roll – A New Djembe Solo Lesson
If you’re developing your djembe solo phrasing, this latest video is for you. It’s the second part of a growing sequence focused on solo structure and flow, and this time we’re diving into the 4-beat roll — a key technique that brings energy and movement to your playing.
If you’re enjoying my drumming tutorials and want to support future videos, you can buy me a coffee. Every contribution helps keep the rhythm going!
If you’re developing your djembe solo phrasing, this latest video is for you. It’s the second part of a growing sequence focused on solo structure and flow, and this time we’re diving into the 4-beat roll — a key technique that brings energy and movement to your playing.
Rather than just playing it fast, this lesson is all about how the roll sits within a phrase, how it connects with the groove, and how to practise it in a way that feels musical and satisfying. It builds directly on the swing Kassa-style rhythm we looked at last week.
I hope you enjoy exploring this new layer of solo phrasing. Let me know how you get on — and as always, happy drumming!
Exploring Djembe Swing: Preparing for the 4-Beat Roll
Exploring Djembe Swing: Preparing for the 4-Beat Roll
Swing is at the heart of so many West African rhythms, shaping the feel and flow of the groove in unique ways. But not all swing is the same—some rhythms have a gentle lilt, while others push into a highly swung, galloping feel.
If you’re enjoying my drumming tutorials and want to support future videos, you can buy me a coffee. Every contribution helps keep the rhythm going!
As I prepare to share a 4-beat roll phrase next week, I wanted to create a preliminary lesson to set the groundwork. In this new video, I focus on building a swing framework that will make it easier to integrate the roll into a specific swung ternary rhythm.
What’s Coming Next?
- How to develop swing and timing with grace notes
- Preparing your hands for a 4-beat djembe roll
- How swing can feel different depending on the rhythm
Last weekend, I attended Billy Konaté’s workshop and Billy demonstrated a Sofa family rhythm with a noticeably extreme gallop-like swing. This reminded me just how much variation exists in ternary swing—some rhythms have a very relaxed feel, while others have an almost horse-riding gallop to them!
This upcoming 4-beat roll phrase fits within a specific type of swung Kassa-like rhythm, so this first lesson focuses on getting that swing feel locked in before moving on to the roll itself.
Let me know what you think—what are your favourite types of swing? Have you come across rhythms with a strong gallop like this?
Djembe Solo Secrets: Master the 3-Beat Roll & Accent Flow
Mastering the Flam on Djembe ♫ – A Must-Know Technique for Drummers
Djembe soloing is all about feel, phrasing, and expression—and one technique that can unlock new possibilities is the 3-beat roll. In my latest lesson, I break down how to integrate this roll into solo phrasing and how the accent placement affects the groove.
What You’ll Learn in This Video:
✅ How to play the 3-beat roll cleanly and smoothly
✅ The relationship between the roll and an accented note
✅ Why different musicians place the accent in different ways
This is one of those techniques that’s full of nuances (yes, I love that word! 😆). Even though the 3-beat roll follows a pattern, how you phrase it changes the feel of your solo.
What’s Coming Next?
This video is just the first step in a bigger exploration of solo phrasing. Next, I’ll be releasing a lesson on ghost notes, which will set up the framework for integrating the 4-beat roll into your playing.
📅 New lesson coming next Saturday!
Why Learn the Flam on Djembe?
Whether you’re new to this concept or refining your technique, try the 3-beat roll and experiment with where you place the accent. Let me know what you think in the comments on YouTube! 🚀
Corporate Team Building: Drumming vs Traditional Methods
Corporate Team Building: Drumming vs Traditional Methods
Looking for a better way to build stronger teams? Drumming workshops might be the answer. Unlike many traditional methods, which can feel awkward or forced, drumming promotes teamwork, communication, and stress relief through rhythm and shared experiences. We’ve been providing workshops for over twenty five years – they really do work. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
Key Points:
- Traditional Methods: Trust exercises, group discussions, and off-site events often lack engagement, can feel insincere, or have high costs with limited long-term impact.
- Drumming Workshops: Inclusive, engaging, and stress-reducing. They improve teamwork, communication, and creativity in a fun, collaborative environment.
Quick Comparison:
| Aspect | Traditional Methods | Drumming Workshops |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement | Often limited or awkward | Active and inclusive participation |
| Accessibility | Can exclude less vocal members | Open to all, regardless of ability |
| Stress Relief | Variable | Proven to reduce stress |
| Real-World Impact | Effects fade quickly | Long-lasting workplace benefits |
Drumming workshops combine rhythm, movement, and teamwork to create lasting improvements in workplace dynamics. Whether it’s African or Samba drumming, these sessions are tailored to fit your team’s needs, making them a fun and effective alternative to traditional methods.
Team Building Activity: Corporate Drumming Events
Why Drumming Stands Out
Drumming brings a distinctive approach to team-building, combining rhythm, movement, and group participation to create an engaging way for teams to connect and grow.
Open to Everyone
Drumming is an activity that welcomes everyone, no matter their background or abilities. Unlike some team-building exercises that might leave certain individuals out, drumming uses flexible instruments, rhythms, and tempos to ensure everyone can join in – whether young, old, experienced, or new to the activity. Steve Rivers from Unbeatable Energy showcases this inclusiveness by tailoring workshops to fit the unique makeup of each team.
Reduces Stress and Sparks Creativity
Drumming blends physical activity with creative expression, making it a great tool for improving workplace wellness and team interaction. The act of drumming releases endorphins, eases stress, and encourages teams to think more clearly and creatively.
Fosters Communication and Teamwork
Drumming naturally encourages teamwork through shared rhythms and non-verbal communication. Unlike typical team-building exercises that can feel awkward, drumming creates an organic environment for collaboration.
By focusing on listening, coordination, and synchronizing rhythms, teams build genuine connections that carry over into their daily work. The result? Stronger communication and smoother collaboration without the usual forced interactions.
Drumming workshops come in various styles, each designed to meet specific team-building goals, making it a versatile option for organisations.
Comparing Drumming Workshop Styles
Drumming workshops provide engaging experiences that bring teams together, offering a fresh approach to team building compared to more rigid, less interactive methods.
Workshops with African Drumming
African drumming workshops focus on layered rhythms, where every participant adds a distinct beat that contributes to a unified sound. This reflects workplace dynamics, encouraging trust, collaboration, and active listening. Using instruments like the Djembe and Dunduns, participants learn to create intricate rhythms, boosting communication and strategic thinking.
Workshops with Samba Drumming
Samba drumming workshops bring high energy and synchronized movement to the table, helping teams develop quick decision-making and coordination – key skills in fast-paced environments. These sessions use a variety of percussion instruments to create an engaging setting, breaking down social barriers and fostering a sense of shared success.
Both approaches improve team communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, making them effective tools for workplace development. African and Samba drumming workshops each bring something distinct to the table, allowing organisations to choose the style that best fits their objectives.
How to Use Drumming in the Workplace
African and Samba drumming workshops can be a fun and effective way to address workplace needs, but they work best when planned thoughtfully and aligned with company goals.
Scheduling Regular Sessions
Holding drumming sessions on a regular basis can help teams see lasting benefits. Consider scheduling monthly or quarterly workshops during work hours, with each session lasting around 60-90 minutes.
Tailoring Workshops to Business Goals
Customising workshops to meet specific business goals ensures they provide real value to the workplace. Here’s how different goals can shape the focus of a drumming session:
| Business Goal | Workshop Focus | Implementation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | Call-and-response patterns | Practice leading and following rhythms |
| Problem-solving | Layered rhythms | Work together to create complex patterns |
| Leadership development | Rotating conductors | Take turns guiding the group |
| Innovation | Freestyle sessions | Experiment with new rhythm combinations |
Aligning with Company Values
Drumming workshops can also reflect your company’s values. For instance, you could emphasize sustainability by using ethically sourced instruments or celebrate diversity by incorporating rhythms from different cultures. Collaborate with experienced facilitators who understand corporate dynamics to create programs that are both enjoyable and aligned with your professional goals.
Let’s wrap that all up!
Drumming workshops bring a fresh approach to team-building, tackling workplace challenges like disengagement and poor communication. By using rhythm and shared experiences, these sessions help improve workplace dynamics in ways that last far beyond the workshop itself.
Drumming stands out because it creates an engaging, inclusive space where everyone can participate equally, regardless of their background or experience. This shared activity naturally strengthens connections and enhances communication through collaborative music-making.
Here’s how drumming workshops compare to more traditional team-building methods:
| Aspect | Traditional Methods | Drumming Workshops |
|---|---|---|
| Engagement Level | Often limited to surface-level | Encourages deep, active participation |
| Skill Application | Minimal real-world relevance | Directly improves workplace communication |
| Accessibility | May leave some members out | Open to everyone, regardless of ability |
| Stress Relief | Results can vary | Proven to reduce stress through rhythm |
| Long-term Impact | Effects often fade quickly | Creates lasting workplace improvements |
For organisations looking to build stronger teams, drumming workshops offer an engaging way to combine fun with personal and professional growth. By trying out creative approaches like this, companies can strengthen connections and make a real difference in their workplace culture.
Unbeatable Energy's Epic Adventure To Africa
Unbeatable Energy's Epic Adventure To Africa
Sidiki’s band, featuring vocalists, instrumentalists, and drummers, added a unique flavour to our workshops, creating a mesmerizing blend of rhythms and melodies. His dedication to showcasing African culture extended beyond music, with enlightening excursions and festival experiences that gave us a deeper understanding of the community.
The course far exceeded expectations, thanks to Sidiki’s commitment to authenticity and punctuality. I am eager to share the rich music and insights gained with the schools, businesses, and community groups I work with back home. This experience has been truly unforgettable, shaping my perspective on music and culture in profound ways.
Learn Classic 'Sunu' Djembe Drum Pattern
Learn Classic 'Sunu' Djembe Drum Pattern
In this video, I show you a step-by-step guide to playing the Malian 'Sunu' djembe pattern. Like the classic 'Djembe Populaire' rhythm, the Sunu pattern has lots of special hand coordination techniques which provide a great foundation for tackling more challenging phrases in the future. In the process of nailing this pattern, we will have some fun by using the Quincy Jones' 'Soul Bossa Nova' (aka Austin Powers theme tune) as a way of understanding the feel of this pattern around the pulse. Enjoy!
In this video, I show you a step-by-step guide to playing the Malian ‘Sunu’ djembe pattern.
Like the classic ‘Djembe Populaire’ rhythm, the Sunu pattern has lots of special hand coordination techniques which provide a great foundation for tackling more challenging phrases in the future. In the process of nailing this pattern, we will have some fun by using the Quincy Jones’ ‘Soul Bossa Nova’ (aka Austin Powers theme tune) as a way of understanding the feel of this pattern around the pulse.
This practice video supports the learning of the Malian ‘Sunu’ rhythm. See the full breakdown of this rhythm in the video entitled ‘Learn Classic ‘Sunu’ Djembe Drum Pattern’. Play along with me as I take segments of the classic pattern to create solid grounding in the coordination.
