On the very west of Africa

is a relatively small region where you find a wide variety of traditional dance-drumming rhythms.
Each of the styles has its own ethnic heritage, type of drums and rhythm style. The music is played mainly for celebratory dancing. The drummers are responsible to keep energy flowing to encourage everyone to join in and dance!

Lenjen

    One of the most popular traditional dance rhythms in The Gambia. Rhythm and dance of the Mandinka. The drums, Kutiro, are played using one hand and a stick.

CheBou Jen

   The name means “fish and rice” a popular spicy dish. Rhythm and dance of the Wolof. The Sabar drum ensemble is made up of 4 - 5 different drums, each played with a hand and a stick.

Bak

   This rhythm is played by an ensemble of five Tama drummers and a bass (bak) drum. Rhythm and dance of the Wolof. There are many forms of tama (talking) drums in West Africia. The Senegalese specialize in a small high-pitched drum.

Bugarabu

   Drumming of the Jola. Bugarabu are a set of four drums played by one musician with the hands. On each wrist the drummer wraps a leather band with metal jingles hat creates secondary timbre. Often dancers add another rhythmic layer using wooden clappers.

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