Workshops Gambia

We can offer you an extensive program for African Drumming, African Dancing, Kora and wood carving. Whether you want some lessons or a complete week, it is all possible. We have our own resident djembe tutor and have many links with other musicians and artists.

African Drumming

There are many different drums in West Africa. Besides the popular Djembe we offer workshops in Djun-Djun-Da and Sabar. All the instruments we use are made by our teachers or by local craftsmen.

Djembe (pronounced jem bay) has many other names like djimbe, yembe of jembe. It is as hand drum shaped like a goblet and covered with a leather (goat) skin. Another name for the Djembe is the magical drum. The origin of the drum is in West Africa and in Gambia you will hear the drums in every village.

Djun-Djun-Da is the largest of the the Dundun family which has it origin in West Africa. This instrument has a warm sound and is used to add rhythm and melody to the djembe ensemble.

The Sabar is a small drum that found its origin in neighbouring Senegal and is often refered to as the royal drums because of their unique sound. It looks like a djembe but is longer and not as wide. The construction is different from the djembe as pegs are used to fix the skin instead of only rope.

Should you be interested in a workshop in another West African Drum please contact us and most likely we can arrange this for you!

African Dancing

There are many tribes in Gambia who all have different dances and rhythms. The workshops usualy start with teaching you the basics followed by one or two tribal dances.

Kora

A 21 string harp-lute which is built from a large calabash cut in half and covered with cow skin and a stick. The players traditionally come from griot families and is played in Gambia, Senegal, Mali and Guinea.

Woodcarving

Many countries are known for their woodcarving but the West African sub region has a good reputation. During the workshops you can decide, depending on your experience, what kind of carving you would like to make.

Teachers

At the Gunjur Project Lodge we have a team of skilled Gambian, British & Guinean professionals who will teach you the basics of their speciality or can learn you extra skills, depending on your experience.