African Drum & Rhythm Circle – 6 Week Series (Meeniyan)

Name: African Drum & Rhythm Circle – 6 Week Series (Meeniyan)
Start: 2026-10-06T12:30:00+10:00
End: 2026-10-06T12:30:00+10:00
Location: Old Dance Studio, Meeniyan Rec Reserve

About

Join us for a 6-week journey into rhythm, connection and shared experience through African drumming.

This is a progressive series designed to build skills, confidence and group connection over time. Each week we’ll explore foundational djembe rhythms, gradually layering sounds together as a collective while developing a strong sense of timing, flow and musicality.

No prior experience is needed; beginners are very welcome and those with some experience will be able to deepen their skills.

Come on your own or with others — all are welcome.

This is a closed 6-week series rather than a casual drop-in program, allowing the group to build rhythm, confidence and connection together over time. If you’re unable to commit to this round, there will be future opportunities to join.

This is less about getting it ‘right’ and more about enjoying the rhythm, connecting with others and experiencing the power of drumming together.

Spaces are limited to keep the group experience intimate and immersive.

Drums are provided. You're also welcome to bring your own djembe if you have one.

Dates:
Tuesday 6, 13, 20, 27 October
Tuesday 10, 17 November

THE FACILITATORS
These sessions are guided by two facilitators, with Mariama leading the teaching and Rochea supporting participants throughout the learning experience.

Mariama Camara brings deep roots in West African drumming and dance and an authentic, embodied connection to its rhythms, songs and traditions. Having lived in West Africa and learned directly within African community settings, Mariama carries a genuine and lived understanding of these practices.

She has facilitated community drumming circles and performed at events and festivals, including Federation Square in Melbourne, and has worked with organisations such as the Blackwood Institute, among others.

Mariama shares this rich cultural practice in a way that is accessible, engaging, and deeply grounded, creating a space for people to learn and enjoy drumming together.

Rochea supports the learning experience alongside Mariama, helping participants with hand technique, rhythm patterns and finding their place within the collective beat.

Positioned within the circle, she provides another visual point of reference for participants to follow and brings in the dundun to support and build the group's rhythms.

Alongside her growing practice in African drumming, Rochea brings a background in movement, community wellbeing and connection-based facilitation. With university studies in psychology and neuroscience, she has a particular interest in how rhythm, movement and shared group experiences can support grounding, self-expression and human connection. Through Interflow Rising, Rochea creates warm, inclusive spaces where people can learn, play and connect without pressure or expectation.

Please note before booking:
Our African Drum & Rhythm Circles are offered as a six-week series, with your booking reserving your place for the full program.

We understand that life happens and you may occasionally need to miss a session. As your place is held for the full six weeks, missed sessions after the series has commenced are not refundable or credited.

If, before the series begins, you already know that you will be unable to attend three or more of the six sessions, please get in touch with us before booking. Partial-series bookings may be arranged with us prior to booking and are not automatically available.