One-drum is a collaborative ensemble of artists and teachers from diverse backgrounds, committed to creating inclusive engaging work that uses cultural expression as a catalyst to change perceptions.

wherever you would like us to work and perform, we'll be there.

We offer:

DRUMMING, DANCE, MUSIC, & STORY TELLING  one-off workshops and residencies in schools, community centres, art centres, theatres.  See our Education page.

AFRICAN CULTURAL MUSIC AND DANCE PERFORMANCES at festivals, parties, theatres,  conferences, restaurant theme nights. See our Performance page.

TEAM BUILDING to a range of corporate clients. See our Team building page for latest pictures and information.

'I try to make difficult rhythms very easy, and try to establish an immediate rapport with students. I teach in a way that allows the students to acquire musical skills and knowledge in a wide range of African contexts.'

'I was born into a family of well known royal drummers. At the age of 6yrs, I was inspired by my grandmother who tried to teach me drums by singing the rhythms. I was then trained on the drums by my uncle, the famous Ghanaian master drummer Mustapha Tettey Addy. I started playing with the Royal Obonu Drummers at the age of 10yrs.' Abass has been delivering workshops, performance and team building events for the past 30 years, nationally and internationally. He leads One-drum's dynamic performance work in a wide range of contexts. Abass brings great understanding and awareness of his African cultural heritage to our contemporary, multicultural society through One-drum's educational workshops.

Working between the UK and Ghana, Mandy is a teacher, workshop facilitator and creative artist. Drawing on her experience Mandy brings to One-drum her dedication to producing exciting innovative, collaborative and inclusive projects that bring people together to experience something new about Africa and about themselves. She works with students through film and music in One-drum's educational projects. Mandy is particularly interested in work that raises young people's consciousness about a global perspective as well as collaborating with her One-drum colleagues to create uplifting and unifying experiences for all groups

Claire is a classically trained musician and teacher, dedicated to developing her own skills and knowledge. Within One-drum, Claire uses her passion and expertise to facilitate opportunities for students from a diverse range of backgrounds to connect and interact through the creative arts.

 Through working collaboratively with students, artists and multi-disciplinary professionals, both in the UK and internationally, Claire has developed a global repertoire. Student voice is at the heart of all of Claire’s work with children and young people - to raise self-esteem, nurture empowerment and mutual respect. As a teacher and workshop facilitator for over 20 years, Claire's commitment to working inclusively is a driving force in One-drum: with the student; through the curriculum; as part of a professional team.

Stella has taught African Dance in schools and has performed both nationally and internationally for a decade. She has been delivering workshops sharing her knowledge and passion with students of all ages and ability. Stella is a versatile dancer with an infectious talent for performing and teaching, and an energy which inspires joy in everyone.

Fish has worked in the music business for many years;  as a musician (trombonist), workshop leader, manager, tour manager, promoter and programmer.  She has worked with artists such as Nitin Sawhney, Pharoah Sanders, Buena Vista Social Club, Oumou Sangare, Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabate. As audio visual production manager at World Circuit records, she produced the artists' promotional films and now documents the work of One Drum.

Fish  is the  Creative Business Manager of the company.