Kadodo Drum & Dance School, Otaki

A rare opportunity awaits you to learn from the source!

For the third year running, Kadodo Drum and Dance School invites you to partake in this unique opportunity. Extend your current skills and grow your abilities by learning traditional Ewe stick and hand drumming, as well as West African Djembe, Duns, and, of course dance! Immerse yourself in the history and grow a deeper understanding behind the instruments and the culture in which they come from.
What are you waiting for? Come and join us!

This year's Kadodo Drum & Dance School will be set in the relaxing and inspiring natural beauty of Waihoanga Lodge and Retreat Centre by the Otaki River. At this stunning venue, you have the wonderful opportunity to go deeply into the heart of the rhythm with Koffie Fugah and our team.

Lodge accommodation (high quality bunk dormitory style with all bedding provided) and delicious vegetarian meals are included.

Tutors:
Robert Koffie Fugah (Ghana/NZ) – Drumming & Dance
Koffie is the primary tutor for this school, and will be bringing us the chance to learn from the source and really delve in deeply to these traditional art forms. He has a gift, challenging all levels of ability, and making everyone feel comfortable and confident. He brings his students to the next level while bringing a smile to their faces and leaving them all wanting more! A highly skilled facilitator and a talented and passionate artist, we are so lucky to have him here in NZ.

Koffie grew up in a village called Abor in the Volta Region of Ghana where traditional music and dance is part of dail life. He undertook his training in Ghana's capital, Accra. Before coming to New Zealand he taught African dance and drumming for 15 years both in Ghana and abroad.

Since making New Zealand home in 2013 he has established a network of drummers through drumming groups and running workshops around New Zealand. Kadodo represents his desire to connect with people throughout the country and unite them through their love of West African drumming and dance. Through Kadodo he has developed a supportive team of talented musicians and dancers who have a genuine desire to support him in his mission to share the joy and passion of his culture.

Simon Elwell (UK/NZ) - Drumming
Simon's love of African drumming, rhythm and song started 10 years ago upon meeting and experiencing the amazing rhythms of Africa through Mohamed Bangoura at the Organic River Festival. His passion for African percussion led him to community music leader Julian Raphael who teaches African rhythms, song and world music in Wellington and throughout New Zealand. Simon has also learned inspiring and uplifting African rhythm and music face to face from several other drumming masters and percussionists including Mohamed Bangoura, Chris Berry, Robert Fugah and King Marong with whom Simon had the privilege to perform with.

Simon has been teaching and facilitating drumming groups in and around Wellington since 2011. He is also the director and leader of rockin’ African style percussion group, Kubatana. Kubatana means unity in the Shona language, and Simon thrives on connecting people through rhythm and music.

Simon’s quirky sense of humour, attention to detail and fun nature make him a very popular tutor around the lower/mid North Island.

Jenny Bloomfield (US/NZ) – Dance
Jenny has been dancing her heart out, performing, teaching, and creating community in and around Wellington since 2005. She is the founding director and teacher of Moringa Dancers African Inspired Dance performance group, and often hosts visiting artists. She has a passion for collaborating with drummers and often joins forces with Kubatana and Kadodo., She will be bringing her fun and engaging style of teaching to this retreat, empowering students to find freedom through the connection of rhythm and movement. Her infectious joy in dancing will leave you uplifted!