AfroDrumming

TCS Training It Limited
Merlin House Brunel Road, Theale

Helping djembe players who feel stuck build solid timing and real confidence in drum circles. New 6-week course coming summer 2026

01/05/2026

Balakulandjan (Guinea)

Traditionally played for initiations and baptisms

This is a one-take version using a looper and pads to build up the different parts, just a different way of exploring making rhythms.

Not a traditional performance, but a useful way of hearing each layer and how they interact.

This kind of breakdown is something I use when helping people get more comfortable with rhythms and timing in a group setting

I’m putting this into a small group I’m running next week if that’s something you’re working on

More details here:
https://courses.afrodrumming.com/drum-circle-confidence/

30/04/2026

I see a lot of djembe players in drum circles trying to play too fast, while their technique and timing aren’t quite there yet

If your timing and control aren’t solid, speed just exposes the problem

Real improvement comes from working right at the edge of control, where it’s just starting to fall apart

That’s where your timing actually gets stronger

Here’s a short example of how I approach it

This is the kind of structured practice I focus on in a small group I’m running next week

More details here if it’s relevant:
https://courses.afrodrumming.com/drum-circle-confidence/

Happy drumming

23/04/2026

The first Caversham drum circle is happening tonight!

📍 Caversham Hall, St John’s Rd
🕖 7pm
⏱ Around 50 minutes

Small group, relaxed and beginner-friendly, just getting into rhythm and playing together

£12 for the session

Bring your drum or... If you don’t have a drum, I’ve got a few available to hire (£3)

If you’re interested, drop a comment or send me a message 🪘

20/04/2026

If you’ve been playing djembe a while but feel like you’re not improving, this might help.

I broke down one of the biggest things that holds people back:

Afrodrumming 1 comment. "Why You’re Not Improving on Djembe (And How to Fix It)"

09/03/2026

Drums. That's what's on my mind facebook. Just drums.

24/02/2026

I’ve just uploaded something a bit different.
While filming my djembe repair course, I kept all the outtakes. You talented builders who’ve ever made a course will feel this pain.
Fluffed lines, forgetting to press record, dropped tools, breaking scissors, knocking over tea, wrong weave, even breaking a skin mid-repair.
And of course, the cat demanding food at the worst possible moment.
It’s easy to watch a finished course and assume everything runs smoothly. It doesn’t. Real workshop life is messy.
But the important part is this: the drum still gets finished properly.
If you’ve ever filmed yourself repairing a drum, or attempted your first reskin, you’ll probably recognise the chaos.
Here’s the video:

Djembe repair course goes wrong Bloopers and behind the scenes filming my djembe drum repair course. It turns out that filming something “simple” is never simple.Beginner Course – https://c...

Don’t Buy a Djembe Skin Until You Watch This (Beginner’s Guide)

20/01/2026

If you've ever had to replace a djembe skin, or are about to, this is for you.

It’s probably the most complete guide I can make (so far) on choosing the right djembe skin, size, thickness, hair-on vs hairless, goat vs other hides vs synthetic, where to buy, and what you should realistically expect to pay.

This isn’t a quick tip video. It’s me putting everything I currently know into one place, so beginners don’t waste money and experienced players still get something useful out of it.

If you’ve got a drum that needs fixing, or one that just doesn’t sound the way you want it to, this should help.

Watch it here:
https://youtu.be/mMGfSf1FArQ

And as always, if you’ve got your own tips or strong opinions on skins, throw them in the comments. This stuff is better when it’s shared.

Don’t Buy a Djembe Skin Until You Watch This (Beginner’s Guide) If you're about to replace a broken djembe skin, you need to see this. Choosing the wrong skin can ruin your sound, waste money, and make your drum harder to...

19/12/2025

I’ve just put out a short video on three mistakes I see beginner djembe players make all the time — and how to fix them.

Most people don’t struggle because they lack rhythms or songs.
They struggle because timing drifts, they overplay, or the sound gets choked without realising why.

If your playing feels nearly there but never quite locks in, this will help.

▶️ Watch here: https://youtu.be/d5KySz4BqhA

And if you want to go deeper — timing, groove, practice structure, and playing confidently with others — I’ve just released a new beginner course too:
👉 https://afrodrumming.com/get-good-on-djembe

Enjoy, and happy drumming 🥁

3 Mistakes Beginner Djembe Players Make Most beginner djembe players struggle with timing, weak-hand control, or playing confidently with others — often without knowing why.Get the full beginner co...