West African Drumming Workshop 2026

Recent research indicates that drumming accelerates physical healing, boosts the immune system and assists in releasing emotional trauma. Drumming has a positive effect on anxiety, grief, fatigue and depression.

This is an opportunity to explore and deepen your experience with West African drumming on the Djembe and Dundun.   No previous experience needed, drums will be provided.   Come with a beginner's mind and be prepared to be taken out of your comfort zone.

Led by Mark Barfoot who has over two decades of experience teaching West African drumming and facilitated by Quintin Viljoen.  In the last 7 workshops we learned rhythms called Yankadi Makru, Fura, Kondenofoli, Bolon and we did some free flow soloing.

COST:

£189  (includes accommodation, tuition fee, drum hire, evening meal on Friday and Saturday, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches.  We share Friday and Saturday cooking by bringing ready cooked meals.

WHERE:

The workshop is held in Micklepage Barn, Horsham, Sussex, RH13 6RG

WHEN:

5pm Friday 6th March to 2pm Sunday 8th March 2026

TO BOOK:

Please contact Quintin Viljoen first to check if there are spaces.

A £60 deposit is required through electronic bank transfer to:

• Account name: Quintin Viljoen,

• Account Number: 45760062,

• Sort code: 60-83-71.

Feel free to contact me:

Email: qviljo@gmail.com,

Mobile: 075 1840 3815,

Payment by instalments is possible - please discuss. 

We always try to return deposits or full payments in case of cancellations subject to numbers booked and costs being covered first.

If you need to know more or would like to have a chat on the phone.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS

I enjoyed the energy and challenge of the drumming. I thought it was good that we just kept playing to get into our bodies instead of my numb skull.  I loved the fun, play and the open mic feel on Saturday night.   Marty Togher

What I have come to understand is how important and beneficial it is for me to spend time in the supportive company of other like minded men, working and playing together....   I would recommend any man with an interest in personal growth to give such a weekend a go. All you need is an open mind and a willingness to join in - you will certainly gain some insights and, who knows, it may even help point towards a different path.'  David Fergus

There was definitely some nervousness about the performance aspect (am I going to be able to drum well?) and I don't think I was alone in that, but Mark is an excellent teacher, very good in explanation as well as demonstration, and he did a great job of teaching us techniques, both on the smaller djembes and the larger dunun drums.  Jo Crow.

Click here to have a listen to what the men had to say about the weekend in 2024.