About African Drumming with One Drum
One Drum: Authentic African Drumming Workshops & Performances Across the UK
Welcome to One Drum, the UK's leading provider of authentic African drumming workshops and performances. Led by Master Drummer Abass Dodoo, we bring djembes, traditional percussion, costumes, and interactive cultural education to schools, corporate teams, festivals, weddings, and community events nationwide.
Whether you need a high-energy school workshop, a corporate team-building session, or a full African drumming and dance performance, our DBS-certified facilitators travel with everything required so you can enjoy a complete, authentic experience at your venue.
What Are African Drumming Workshops?
African drumming workshops are interactive sessions where participants learn traditional rhythms on authentic instruments such as the djembe. Unlike a passive concert, everyone plays together—building confidence, listening skills, teamwork, and cultural awareness through rhythm.
At One Drum, our African drumming workshops are designed for all ages and abilities, including SEN groups. We provide the drums, expert instruction, and cultural storytelling so your group experiences Africa's musical heritage first-hand.
African Drumming Workshops for Schools
Schools across the UK book One Drum for assemblies, world music curriculum days, Arts Award support, and enrichment programmes. Our sessions align well with GCSE and Key Stage world music themes while remaining fun, inclusive, and memorable for pupils.
Groups of up to around 60 children can take part with our instrument collection. All facilitators are DBS certified and safeguarding trained, with public liability cover for peace of mind.
Explore school drumming workshops or request a quote for your school, academy, or education trust.
Corporate Drumming Team Building
Looking for a unique alternative to standard away-days? African drumming team building breaks down barriers fast. Colleagues share a common pulse, improve communication, and leave energised—no musical experience required.
We deliver corporate sessions for groups of up to around 100 adults at offices, conferences, and off-sites across London and the wider UK. See our workshop services or book a corporate drumming workshop.
African Drumming Performances & Entertainment
One Drum also provides spectacular African drumming performances featuring professional drummers, dancers, and acrobats in authentic costumes. Ideal for festivals, corporate launches, weddings, birthdays, naming ceremonies, and cultural celebrations.
Browse our African drumming performances and press coverage to see the energy we bring to stages and events across the country.
Master Drummer Abass Dodoo
Sessions are led by Master Drummer Abass Dodoo, a Ghanaian performer, teacher, and trained Arts Award Advisor. His approach combines deep traditional knowledge with inclusive facilitation so every participant—from primary pupils to senior leadership teams—can join in.
Learn more about Abass and the One Drum ensemble on our about page.
Why Choose One Drum
- Authentic African instruments, costumes, and cultural storytelling
- DBS-certified, safeguarding-trained, fully insured facilitators
- We bring all equipment—ready for schools, offices, and venues UK-wide
- Inclusive sessions for all ages and abilities, including SEN
- Flexible packages for workshops, performances, and full event entertainment
Ready to bring Africa to your doorstep? Contact One Drum to check availability.
One-Drum Foundation Charity
The One-Drum Foundation (UK registered charity 1185202) advances public education in African music, history, and culture. Through free workshops for vulnerable communities and projects such as Drumming Against Knives, the Foundation uses rhythm as a force for healing and unity.
Discover our charitable work on the One-Drum Foundation page or donate via PayPal.
Where We Work Across the UK
Based in London with nationwide reach, One Drum regularly delivers African drumming workshops in London, the South East, and across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. We travel with our own transport and can also work internationally on request.
From East London community halls to corporate HQs and school theatres, we adapt each booking to your space, group size, and goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you provide the drums and equipment?
Yes. We bring authentic African drums and all equipment needed for the session. You provide the venue and participants—we handle the rest.
Are your facilitators DBS checked?
Yes. All facilitators are DBS certified, safeguarding trained, and covered by public liability and risk insurance—essential for school and community bookings.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend at least two weeks' notice. Popular dates (term-time Fridays, school holidays, and festivals) book earlier— get in touch as soon as you have a preferred date.
Can you combine a workshop with a performance?
Absolutely. Many clients book an interactive workshop followed by a showcase performance with dancers and costumes. See workshops and performances for options.
Book a Workshop or Get in Touch
Start with our African drumming workshops, explore live performances, meet the team on About One Drum, or support the One-Drum Foundation.
Email admin@one-drum.org or call +44 07960937236 — or use our online booking form for a fast quote.