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.
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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! 🚀
Mastering the Flam on Djembe – A Must-Know Technique for Drummers
Mastering the Flam on Djembe ♫ – A Must-Know Technique for Drummers
The flam is a simple yet powerful drumming technique that adds depth, texture, and nuance
to your playing. While often associated with snare drumming, the flam has a unique
application in hand drumming—especially on the djembe.
In my latest video, I demonstrate the flam technique on djembe and how you can use it to develop more fluidity and expression in your playing. If you’ve ever wanted to add more variation and dynamic feel to your drumming, this is a great technique to explore!
What Is a Flam on Djembe?
A flam is typically described as two quick, slightly offset strikes—one as a grace note, followed by a main note. However, on the djembe, the relationship between the two notes is much more fluid.
Unlike snare drum flams, where the grace note is significantly softer, the two notes in a djembe flam can be closer in volume and timing, creating a subtle “double attack” effect. There are many nuances in how wide apart the two notes are, ranging from a very tight, almost simultaneous hit to a more open flam with a pronounced separation.
These subtleties are rarely explored in snare drumming, making the djembe flam a unique and expressive tool in traditional and contemporary rhythms.
Watch the Full Breakdown!
In this video, I present a finished example of the flam technique on djembe and discuss its practical applications. Whether you’re new to flams or refining your approach, this tutorial will give you a clear way to experiment and develop your own variations.
Why Learn the Flam on Djembe?
✔️ Adds texture and dynamics to your playing
✔️ Helps develop coordination and control
✔️ Essential for soloing and improvisation
✔️ Creates subtle rhythmic variations within traditional djembe patterns
What’s Next?
I’m planning more in-depth breakdowns of djembe rolls and flam applications within rhythms—so if you find this video useful, let me know in the comments!
Have you tried incorporating flams into your djembe playing? Drop a comment on YouTube—I’d love to hear your experiences!
Djembe Solo Phrasing – Accenting Every Third Beat
Djembe Solo Phrasing – Accenting Every Third Beat
When it comes to djembe soloing, phrasing and accent placement can make all the difference in creating a dynamic, flowing rhythm. One of the classic techniques that many djembe players explore is accenting every third beat within a ternary feel.
This approach isn’t something new—it’s a well-established phrasing technique in djembe drumming—but it’s one that can really help you develop control, groove, and movement in your solos.
What's In This Lesson?
In this new video, I break the concept down step by step:
✅ Starting with bass and tone placements to feel the phrasing.
✅ Moving to tones and slaps for sharper articulation.
✅ Building a short solo sequence to practice and develop fluency.
Who Is This For?
This lesson is aimed at intermediate players and improvers—those who are already comfortable with slaps and tones but want to refine their solo phrasing.
If you’ve worked with phrasing in threes before, this might be a good chance to solidify the technique and experiment with new variations. And if this is a fresh concept for you, it’s a great way to add a sense of motion and groove to your solos!
Try It Out & Let Me Know!
I’d love to hear your thoughts—do you already use this phrasing approach? How do you incorporate accents into your solos? Feel free to leave a comment on the video or get in touch with me.
'Rubbish Rhythms' Reaches a Milestone: Transforming Music Education
Rubbish Rhythms Reaches a Milestone: Transforming Music Education
Last month, I had the thrilling experience of delivering our new Rubbish Rhythms workshops in four primary schools in Rotherham, marking a significant milestone for this project. This workshop is now fully refined and can be offered to all year groups in Key Stage 1, 2, and 3, making it more versatile and accessible than ever before.
Seeing children engage with the workshop in a way that was both playful and deeply creative was an incredible moment - Watch Here!
The energy in the room, the way their faces lit up when they discovered the rhythms hidden in everyday objects—it reaffirmed everything I set out to achieve with Rubbish Rhythms. This was not just another workshop; it felt like a breakthrough, a true coming of age for the project.
Since 2023, I’ve been on an exciting and unexpected journey with 'Rubbish Rhythms', a project that started as a playful experiment on my YouTube channel and has grown into something much bigger. The original idea was simple: could everyday household objects be transformed into musical instruments? I started my 'Will It Drum?' series, testing everything from cereal boxes to yogurt cartons, exploring the sounds they could make. Watch the series here. 
But what started as a bit of fun quickly turned into something more significant—something with the power to change how people, especially children, see the world around them.
The first real test of the concept came with a teacher training workshop in Aylesbury. This was an opportunity to introduce educators to the idea, demonstrate its potential, and see how it resonated with them. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Teachers saw not just the musical potential but also the creative and environmental value of the workshop. This led me to refine the format further, gearing it towards children in schools, ensuring it was engaging, accessible, and adaptable for different age groups.
https://youtu.be/Zr35TlKJmB0
A trial day with Year 6 students followed, and this was a real turning point. It gave me the chance to see how the workshop worked in practice with a full class, allowing me to make crucial refinements before rolling it out more widely. One of the key lessons was how different materials offered different challenges and opportunities.
Finally, in January 2025 we ran a 4 day project for primary schools at Wickersley Academy Trust in Rotherham and everything came together – with new additions to the mix! Broadband cable tubes, for example, produce fantastic, resonant tones. Water cooler bottles, donated by Eden Springs, are incredibly versatile and function as both hand drums and bass tones. Even the sturdy and crinkly sounds of 'Bags for Life' shopping bags have found their place as percussion instruments, offering an unexpected but effective addition to the ensemble.
Each session has become a journey of discovery, not just for the children but for me as well. What made it even more exciting was that the objects we were playing weren’t just substitutes for normal instruments—they had their own unique qualities, producing funky, rich sounds that stood apart from traditional percussion.
The workshop wasn’t just about making do with alternative materials; it was about celebrating their distinct musical voices. One of the biggest joys of the project has been watching children shift their perspectives on what an instrument can be. Seeing their excitement as they create rhythms from objects they might otherwise throw away has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about music; it’s about mindset—challenging the idea that something is ‘rubbish’ just because it’s no longer needed for its original purpose.
Using everyday objects as musical instruments is nothing new—many of the instruments we know today originated from repurposed materials. In the Malinke culture of West Africa, the large wooden mortar and pestle—called ‘Kolan’—is often used as a percussive instrument. In fact, the African Djembe drum itself is believed to have evolved from a refashioned Kolan, taking on a new form as a dedicated musical instrument over time. This connection between everyday activities and music is something I find deeply inspiring.
Beyond the musical aspect, I’ve also been reflecting on the broader themes that Rubbish Rhythms touches upon. While it’s not a recycling workshop in the traditional sense, it does encourage a more thoughtful approach to materials and waste. It invites children to appreciate objects for their potential beyond their intended use, fostering creativity and resourcefulness—two qualities that are invaluable, not just in music but in life.
With the success of the initial workshops, I’m now looking ahead to the next steps. I’d love to take Rubbish Rhythms into more schools, develop it further for different age groups, and perhaps even bring it into corporate settings as a unique team-building experience. The journey so far has been incredible, and I feel like we’re only just getting started.
If you’re a teacher, educator, or someone working with young people and you’d like to bring 'Rubbish Rhythms' to your school, I’d love to chat. Let’s explore how we can inspire the next generation to see music—and the world—a little differently. Get in touch to bring Rubbish Rhythms to your school.
Breakthrough Moments: African Drumming with early years children at Walkley Primary
Breakthrough Moments: African Drumming with early years children at Walkley Primary
Yesterday was one of those days where everything seemed to come together. Teaching African drumming to very young children at Walkley Primary School brought a real sense of pride and excitement, as I rediscovered techniques that worked brilliantly and saw the children engage in ways that were both inspiring and deeply rewarding.
Working with very young children is always a challenge, but it’s also where breakthroughs can happen. Every class is unique, with its own energy and rhythm. I’ve been teaching this age since 1997, and while I’ve learned a lot through trial and error, every session feels like a fresh adventure. Yesterday reminded me just how much I love this work.
With very young children, traditional teaching methods—such as providing rigid guidance and expecting immediate compliance—rarely work. Instead, it’s all about creating an environment where they feel free to explore and learn naturally. At Walkley, I was able to give the children a total learning experience of African music without relying on forced instructions or corrections. It was about guiding them through play and letting their natural curiosity and energy lead the way.
One moment that stood out was using a simple game of chase to draw the children in. This wasn’t just about getting their attention—it gave me a way to gently guide them into position, exactly where I needed them to be, within seconds. Joining in with their play, running alongside them, and matching their excitement created a sense of trust and engagement. Once that connection was in place, the drumming became something we experienced together, not just something I was teaching.
Teaching children to appreciate the spaces in music is another challenge that became a breakthrough yesterday. Children don’t need to be taught how to make a sound on a drum—that comes naturally. What they need is to understand the importance of the silent spaces in music, that it’s not about playing all the time. This can be especially difficult to teach very young children. My method yesterday wasn’t to try and stop them from playing. Instead, I joined them in making noise. I experienced the magic of their perspective, connected with them, and built a sense of rapport. When that connection was strong enough, I could simply stop playing, and because they were so tuned into me, they stopped too. It was such a powerful moment of shared understanding and rhythm.
The day also reawakened techniques I hadn’t used in a while, reminding me of the power of play-based learning and empathy. It’s not just about teaching skills; it’s about helping very young children discover the wonder of music and the joy of creating together.
For infant schools and Key Stage 1 teachers looking for an inspiring and engaging cultural experience, we’d love to bring this energy to your school. Let’s create those special moments together. Get in touch to discuss how we can tailor a drumming workshop for your children and make it an unforgettable experience.
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 organizations.
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 organizations 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
Customizing 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.
Conclusion
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.
Key Takeaways
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 organizations 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.
Free School Drumming Lessons - Teach Your Students Online!
Free School Drumming Lessons - Teach Your Students Online!
Put a drum in front of a child and they don't need to ask what to do - they can play already. But how do you help young children discover that a drum is not just something with which to create noise, but, with a few steps, can create music. This fun, easy game helps young children learn 'turn-taking' to create rhythm dialogue. It also helps them appreciate the way little 'pockets of silence' transform a group sound from noise to instant drum music.
When I went to Gambia over 20 years ago I was amazed by the way that people were able to create so much sonic power in a single clap.
From ‘ear splitting’ high fives to more subtle ‘popping’ pulse beats to accompany songs, the people in West Africa showed me that even without a drum, I could harness the power of the drum beat just using my own hands.
This video shows teachers and drumming enthusiasts how to create this awesome ‘popping’ clap beat – which I call the ‘Starfish’ clap. After learning the clap sound, stay on the video to learn an easy ‘off beat’ rhythm which has worked with children as young as 6 years old.
