Balafon and Tama Instrument Workshops

Batuki Music Society Instrument Workshops

Learn to play balafon or tama talking drum

Date: Saturday November 15, 2025

Location: It’s Ok Studio, 468 Queen St. W. Toronto

Cost: 1 workshop $20 or both workshops $35

1:00 – 2:30 Adama Daou Balafon Workshop - $20

Balafon and sticks included in the workshop fee

A Malian musician from the city of Mopti, Adama Daou developed his skills in African percussion (djembe, doun-doun, calabash and balafon) by participating in traditional ceremonies during his childhood and through his training at the National Institute of Arts in Bamako. Moving to Paris in 2000, he performed and toured with groups like Lo’jo and many dance companies. Based in Montreal since 2011, Adama Daou is constantly guided by a strong desire to introduce Malian percussions to the public while creating musical projects with artists from different horizons, performing, developing workshops, and participating to the development of sociocultural actions based on music. In addition to touring across Europe, Canada and the United States, Adama regularly hosts African percussion & dance classes and workshops. Adama was featured on two songs with Okavango African Orchestra’s 2025 Canadian Folk Music Global Award winning album, Migration.

3:00 – 4:30 Pape Ndiaye Tama Talking Drum Workshop - $20

Tama drum included in the workshop fee

Pape Ndiaye is an exceptional tama (talking drum) player, one of the emblematic instruments of Senegalese traditional and modern music. He was a percussionist for the Orchestre National de Senegal, one of the most prestigious orchestras attached to the Ministry of Culture. He is a regular performer with Zale Seck, an emblematic figure of Senegalese music based in Montreal. Master of the tama, Pape has performed in special projects for Batuki Music, including with the pan-African group Okavango African Orchestra and Senegalese ensemble, Coup de Coeur.

Batuki Music gratefully acknowledges the support of Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council and CIUT 89.5 FM.

Info: With simple rhythmic and melodic exercises, Adama Daou will introduce you to the balafon, an African wooden xylophone, UNESCO named as a masterpiece of intangible heritage. Balafon is a soothing instrument allowing a distinctive musical journey. Grab your sticks and create your own sound, inspired by your inner soul!

Info: Dive into the rich musical traditions of West Africa by exploring the art of the tama, or talking drum. This instrument is renowned for its unique ability to mimic the tones and inflections of human speech. In this hands-on workshop, you will learn the fundamental techniques for playing the hourglass-shaped drum, which is traditionally tucked under the arm and played with a hooked stick.

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