Business Details
16 Years
experience
West African Drum & Dance Workshops in Stoke on Trent
Established in 2010, we are a dedicated school specialising in West African drumming, dance, and cultural education. Our team, led by David Woolley and Maitre Samsou, brings decades of experience from direct study and collaboration with West African artists. We deliver immersive workshops for schools, colleges, and community groups, alongside live performances and cultural exchanges. Our offerings extend to community drumming sessions, music holidays in The Gambia, and instrument sales and repairs.With a focus on authenticity and education, we aim to connect diverse audiences with the rich traditions of West African music and dance, fostering cross-cultural understanding and artistic development.
Services
African Drumming Workshops
Community Drumming Groups
Live Cultural Performances
Music Holidays in The Gambia
Drum Repair Services
School Educational Programs
Kora & Storytelling Sessions
West African Dance Classes
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer workshops led by experts with over 20 years of experience in West African drumming traditions.
- Our team includes former members of the Guinea Conakry National African Ballet.
- We provide culturally immersive experiences with direct links to West African artists.
- Our services span educational workshops, live performances, and international music holidays.
- We deliver tailored sessions for schools, community groups, and corporate events.
What people say
Lively and colourful
Thoroughly enjoyed the experience
Mind blowing performance
Authentic percussion instruments
Positive feedback from attendees
Services
African Drumming Workshops
Our hands-on drumming workshops teach traditional West African rhythms using authentic instruments. Participants learn from experienced instructors with direct cultural ties to Guinea Conakry. Sessions cater to schools, community groups, and corporate teams, fostering teamwork and cultural appreciation through interactive learning.
Community Drumming Groups
Weekly community drumming sessions in Stoke on Trent provide inclusive musical experiences for all skill levels. These sessions promote mental wellbeing, social connection, and cultural exchange through collective rhythm-making. No prior experience is required to join our welcoming group environment.
Cultural Performances
Professional West African dance and music performances bring vibrant cultural energy to festivals, corporate events, and private celebrations. Our performances feature traditional costumes, authentic instrumentation, and dynamic choreography that showcase the richness of West African artistic heritage.
Music Holidays in The Gambia
Immersive music and cultural holidays in Kotu Quarry, The Gambia, offer authentic learning experiences with local master musicians. Packages include accommodation, instrument tuition, and cultural exchanges within a traditional African compound setting surrounded by local communities.
School Educational Programs
Curriculum-linked workshops for schools combine music, dance, and cultural education. Students engage with authentic West African traditions through practical sessions that enhance creativity, physical coordination, and cross-cultural understanding in line with national educational standards.
People
David Woolley
Founder
David has studied West African drumming under Master Almami Kamara since 1999. He established Joliba after three months of intensive training with Guinea Conakry artists, combining cultural expertise with educational delivery across UK schools.
Maitre Samsou
Master Drummer
Former member of Guinea Conakry National African Ballet, Maitre Samsou brings unparalleled expertise in traditional drumming and dance. He collaborates with UK educators to deliver authentic cultural programs that bridge West African artistic heritage with modern educational contexts.
Questions
What age groups can participate in your workshops?
We cater to all ages from primary school children to adult community groups, with adaptable sessions for different abilities and educational levels.
Do you provide instruments for workshops?
Yes, we supply authentic West African drums and percussion instruments for all our workshop programs and events.
Can we book a performance for private events?
We offer live performances for private functions, festivals, and corporate events featuring traditional West African music and dance.
Are your instructors qualified?
Our instructors have direct cultural training from West African master musicians and extensive experience in educational delivery across UK institutions.
Do you offer international cultural programs?
Yes, we organise music holidays in The Gambia with immersive cultural experiences at our partner compound in Kotu Quarry.
