Ropetackle was alive with the sound of drumming last Saturday 4^th March, when four members of African Night Fever dropped in to showcase some central and west African culture. More than 100 children and adults got involved in the free Africa Take Part sessions to learn a craft, and drum and dance to the rhythms.

Activities included:

• A fun dance workshop with Ali Bangura and Kwame Ernerst-Obeng, where people could learn to move to the beats, singing and clapping to joyous traditional songs
• An African drumming workshop for all ages.
• Family-friendly arts and crafts activities with Phati Mnguni (pictured)

Ebou Touray, who runs African Night Fever, also demonstrated musical storytelling of the Manding Griot.

It was really enjoyed by the families, whose ages spanned three generations in some cases. As one customer commented: “It was a fantastic experience which my whole family thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you so much for the opportunity; we hope to do more of these family events in the future. We love African dancing and music so this was very special for all of us.”

Ebou said: “Music is a very powerful tool that binds communities and we are so lucky to have the privilege to be part of  that facilitation. One of the families said to me they have never seen so many children happy and enjoying the same space in a fun way, which I thought was touching.”

We look forward to planning similar events in the coming season. Watch this space!