Djembe 360: Whole Rhythm Drumming Series

Tuesdays, April 22 – June 10, 2025 (8 classes)
6:30 - 7:45 PM (Classes extended to 8:00 PM on May 6 & June 3)

This class was inspired by Clif Koufman’s recent trip to Guinea, West Africa. After years of teaching West African drumming and wanting to do something different, he created Djembe 360 to share rhythms taught to him by three of the greatest grandmasters of the djembe, Mamady Keita, Famoudou Konate and Bolokada Conde. Each rhythm has its own distinct feel, and in this series, Clif will pass them down just as he learned them—preserving the structure, energy, and intention behind each groove. This isn’t just about djembe—participants will experience the full rhythm system, including three bass drum parts: Dununba (large), Sangban (medium), and Kenkeni (small)—each with bells on top—as well as signals and solo phrasing.The class will move fast and challenge everyone, offering something exciting and fresh.

• Beginners will get an introduction to three distinct rhythms, their history, and their feel.

• Advanced Players will dive deep into variations, solos, and breaks exactly as I learned them from the masters.

This isn’t just about djembe—you’ll experience the full rhythm system, including 3 bass drum parts—Dununba (large), Sangban (medium), and Kenkeni (small)—each with bells on top, as well as signals and solo phrasing. The class will move fast and challenge everyone, offering something exciting and fresh.

Three Rhythms, Three Grandmasters

Djansa (Mamady Keita)

• 3 Dunun Parts

• 2 Djembe accompaniments

• Solo Original – sequence of phrases

Soko Laban (Bolokada Condé)

• 3 Dunun Parts

• 2 Djembe accompaniments

• Break – traditional phrase

• Solo phrase – unique phrasing for improvisation

Mendiani (Famoudou Konaté)

• 3 Dunun Parts

• 2 Djembe accompaniments

• Dunun variations

• Solo phrase – rhythm-specific phrases

Host or Publisher Metro Parks Music Division