PENCHMI @ FOLKLORE: AFRICAN DRUM + DANCE + CHANT PORTAL - SPRING NEW MOON

DEMBIS THIOUNG presents "PENCHMI The African Drum + Dance Portal - NEW MOON SPRING Series" in collaboration with FOLKLORE CHARITY.

The word PENCHMI (in Wolof is written as “Penccmi”) is used to describe the gathering of ancestors, transcending time and space, as well as the gathering of the elders of the traditional Senegalese villages, in the center of the community under a baobab tree. Penchmi is the space to discuss matters of LIFE, FREEDOM, and PEACE. Most importantly, it serves to remind us of the LOVE and RESPECT shared among each other.

This winter we invite you all to three PENCHMI African drum + dance + chant portals in Folklore Hoxton in 186 Hackney Road, London.

Come prepared to drum, dance, and joyfully sweat, allowing your spirit to soar high by connecting through ancestral rhythms, songs, and African wisdom channelled by Dembis Thioung.

Dembis takes pride in being guided by the highest Senegalese value of "TERANGA": welcoming, sharing and supporting each other in happiness always, valuing wealth not for its quantity but for the generosity extended to others. "TERANGA" represents the essence of Senegalese culture and it can be translated with the word hospitality.

Wheel of the Year: NEW MOON + SPRING - from 7.30pm

MONDAY 16th March 2026

MONDAY 13th April 2026

MONDAY 4th May 2026 - ***FULL MOON SPECIAL***

Energy exchange

Penchmi - in advance £11.11 - tickets via Afromoya

Penchmi - on the day £13.33 - pay on the door (cash or card)

✨DEMBIS THIOUNG✨

Dembis is a mesmerizing master of the dunduns—the melodic and hypnotic bass drums that constitute the heartbeat, melody, and soul of traditional West African ensemble djembe music.

A Bayefall at heart and Griot by blood, Dembis was born and raised in Dakar, West Africa he is now based in London, UK. Introduced to traditional and contemporary Senegalese music at a young age, he learned the art of drumming and dance.

Recognized as a skilled percussionist specializing in Dundun, Djembe, Sabar, and Asico drums, Dembis proudly identifies with his Senegalese legacy, carrying forward the teachings of his elders and ancestry.

DEMBIS is the Gatekeeper of THE PENCHMI portals and the visionary and initiator of the BENE TALLY BAND project.

BENE TALLY is the name of Dembis Thioung's neighborhood in the heart of Dakar, Senegal, literally translated as "ONE WAY" or "one road."

BENE TALLY band & friends, a self-funded project initiated in October 2019, is a collective of artists bringing the magical rhythms, heartbeat, and spirit of Africa to the UK. It has performed in venues like Hootenanny, Peckham Levels, The Tabernacle, The Post Bar, Folklore and Kindred Studios

Rooted in the dundun drum and West African traditions, the band blends Dembis' Griot and Bayefall heritage, fostering creative collaborations between dedicated and regular P ENCHMI Dundunfolas attendees and master African artists.

Every performance is unique and magical.

This transformative journey also invites the audience to participate, connecting individuals and communities through rhythms and movement, offering the healing benefits of West African ancestral wisdom.

✨WHY DO WE GATHER FOR PENCHMI FOR FULL MOON & NEW MOON? ✨

These lunar gates invites surrender, reflection and alignment with the DIVINE intelligence of nature.

The New Moon invites us to plant seeds, set INTENTIONS and begin anew.

The Full Moon illuminates what is ready to be seen, celebrated or released.

Together, they ARE A PRACTICAL DIVINE TIMEKEEPER, THEY guide us back to our natural RHYTHMS.

The AFRICAN DRUMS are ancestral technology, THEY WERE ORIGINALLY DESIGNED TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER IN PEACE & HAPPINESS. DRUMMING ALONG WITH DANCING & CHANTING DURING THESE LUNAR PORTALS AMPLIFY OUR PRAYERS, INTENTIONS AND COLLECTIVE HEALING.

✨WHAT TO BRING?✨

Drums will be provided, participants are encouraged to bring your own or your favourite percussion instruments. Dress comfortably, ready to move, dance, and celebrate. All levels, backgrounds, faiths, and ages are welcome. Earplugs recommended for sound sensitivity. Drinks & snacks available at Folklore Bar.

✨WHAT DO YOU EXPRIENCE AT PENCHMI?✨

A safe space to express your soul's dance moves alongside live drumming. Learn traditional and new rhythms, improve your drumming language, and gain confidence in dance solos, all supported by the circle. Connect to ancestral wisdom through sound and movement.

✨STAY CONNECTED✨

If you have any question you can email us at [email protected]

Would you like to join Dembis Thioung's open Whatsapp group and receive updates on his workshops, gigs and connect with the community? Join here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CJkAcvfpWxqAeHW3piBSk9

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