Pan-African Instruments & Percussion

DJEMBE DRUMMING INSTRUCTOR

Chicago Live Group Classes
Live Group Workshops

Location: Chicago, IL, USA

Victoria Boateng is a Chicago-based djembe instructor, performer, speaker and self-autism advocate. Her mission is to share how drumming has helped her navigate Autism and impact the disability community through her drumming.

Victoria studied West African drumming with master drummer Bolokoda Conde and Michael Taylor. She is now a substitute teacher at Old Town School of Folk Music and hosts drum classes for the Autism community at Elastic Arts in Chicago, IL. In addition Victoria has consistently practiced mastering her craft on stage with life artists throughout the city of Chicago. She is a part of the all female drum and dance company, Ayodele Drum and Dance and She Wolf Sacred Movement. Victoria graduated from Western Illinois University in December 2012 with a bachelor's degree in communication and minor in theater.

YORÙBÁ DRUMMING INSTRUCTOR & INSTRUMENT CARE

Virtual Private Lessons:
• Yorùbá Talking Drum (Known as Gangan, Apala or Adamo)
• Bàtá Drum Ensemble: Ìyá Ìlú / Omele Abo / Omele Bàtá / Ejin & Okonkolo
• Instrument Care & Maintenance
Virtual Group Workshop Intensives
Workshops for Universities

Peter Ọlálékan Adédòkun is a prolific master drummer, drums maker, drumming trainer, actor, flautist and a versatile musician. Based in Ibadan, Nigeria, he is known for his expertise in the intricate rhythms and cultural significance of Yorùbá percussion. With a deep understanding of traditional drumming techniques, instrument construction, historical context, and contemporary music idioms, Adédòkun is dedicated to sharing the rich heritage of Yorùbá. His workshops and masterclasses have earned him a reputation as a leading educator in the field, influencing both aspiring drummers and seasoned musicians.

The djembe, a drum with deep roots in West African musical traditions, is renowned for its distinctive, resonant tones and its role in communal and ceremonial practices. Originating from the Mandé peoples of Mali, Guinea, and surrounding regions, the djembe features a goblet-shaped body carved from a single piece of wood and topped with a tightly stretched animal skin. Its versatile sound palette, encompassing deep bass tones, sharp slaps, and crisp high tones, makes it central to various traditional rhythms, including those used in dances, rituals, and storytelling. As a symbol of cultural heritage, the djembe transcends regional boundaries, contributing to global appreciation and understanding of African drumming traditions while remaining a vibrant, living tradition within its communities.

Known as Gangan, Apala or Adamo, the Yorùbá talking drum plays a significant role in Nigeria's cultural and religious practices. The talking drum is renowned for its ability to mimic the tonal patterns of spoken Yorùbá, making it a crucial tool for communication and storytelling. Apala, a genre that emerged in the early 20th century, features a rich blend of traditional Yorùbá rhythms and Islamic influences, often performed during spiritual and social gatherings. Adamo, on the other hand, is characterized by its fast-paced rhythms and energetic performances, commonly associated with celebrations and festivals. Together, these instruments and musical forms reflect the vibrant diversity and historical depth of Yorùbá music, continuing to enrich and preserve the cultural legacy of the Yorùbá people.

Ìyá Ìlú, Omele Abo, Omele Bàtá, Ejin & Okonkolo

The Bàtá Drum Ensemble is a traditional Yorùbá drumming ensemble renowned for its vibrant and rhythmic contributions to cultural and ceremonial events. Central to the Yorùbá music tradition, the Bàtá ensemble typically includes a variety of drum types. The bàtá drums are distinguished by their hourglass shape and intricate, layered rhythms. This ensemble is integral to religious ceremonies, including worship and rites of passage, where its rhythms are believed to invoke spiritual presence and communicate with deities. Known for their dynamic and expressive range, these drums are played in a way that mirrors the tonal nuances of the Yorùbá language, reinforcing the deep connection between music, language, and spirituality in Yorùbá heritage.

African drums and instruments require special methods of care and maintenance to ensure they have a long lifespan and that the instrument quality is consistent. Many of these instruments are crafted by drum makers in Africa, and drum owners around the world may not have access to specialized knowledge to help maintain their instruments. This is why we also offer lessons in instrument care and maintenance to ensure that our musicians and students are able to extend their musical knowledge and take care of their instruments.