Rhythms and Music

At the end of the day, children are able to play to songs like Waka Waka on their instruments and learn the dance steps. Our workshops are for all abilities including first timers and experienced young musicians.

Create Music
Step into a vibrant, hands-on cultural journey where children don’t just watch — they actively participate and create. In our sessions, children are surrounded by a variety of traditional African instruments, including djembes, talking drums, balafons (African wooden xylophones), and other instruments from across the continent. Children are taught how to hold, strike, and play these instruments, exploring rhythms individually and together, gradually building complex layers of sound like an orchestral ensemble.

Blend Western instruments
We also encourage children who already play Western instruments such as guitar, piano, violin, or cello to bring them along. We show participants how to blend these instruments with African rhythms, fostering creativity, musical collaboration, and improvisation. Through guided exercises, children learn how different musical traditions can connect in harmony, experimenting with combining melodies, beats, and movement to create unique, collaborative performances.

Dance and Movement
Movement and dance are central to the experience. Children explore energetic dance steps inspired by African community celebrations, learning how rhythm informs motion and how music and dance work together to tell stories. Every session integrates storytelling, where children listen to traditional African folktales that convey themes of courage, respect, and community. These stories highlight African history, cultural values, and community life, helping children understand the richness and diversity of the continent while connecting it to their own experiences.

Story Telling
Throughout the workshop, children participate in group drumming, individual improvisation, dance, and interactive storytelling. They learn not only musical skills but also essential life skills such as teamwork, listening, coordination, and confidence. The sessions are inclusive and supportive, allowing children of all abilities to join, experiment, and express themselves creatively. By the end of the workshop, participants will have experienced the joy of creating music together, dancing with energy and expression, and connecting with stories that build cultural awareness and empathy. Children leave with a stronger sense of self, an appreciation for African and global musical traditions, and the excitement of having collaborated in a vibrant, interactive musical journey. The sessions provide a unique opportunity for children to explore creativity, improvisation, rhythm, and movement in a lively and inspiring environment. Ujhasuma Africa workshops are hands-on, immersive, and celebratory, blending African and Western musical traditions, movement, and storytelling to inspire children’s confidence, creativity, and sense of community.