Hi, I'm Al - Your Djembe Guide & Craftsman
From Cape Town drum circles to 22 countries worldwide - now sharing authentic djembe knowledge and craftsmanship from my UK workshop
My Djembe Journey
It all started in Cape Town. I discovered the djembe while working at the legendary Drum Cafe, where we taught people to play drums while they sat back, enjoyed a drink, and soaked up the African vibe. It was a magical place where music connected people instantly - no shared language needed, just the universal rhythm of the drum.
That experience with Drum Cafe changed everything for me. What began as a job became a calling. I went on to perform and lead interactive drumming sessions with the world's largest interactive drumming company, traveling to 22 countries across South Africa, Europe, and the US. Every performance reinforced what I'd learned in Cape Town: djembe music creates instant human connection.
In 2009, I set up Afro Drumming to share this knowledge with the world. What started as a simple book idea has grown into a comprehensive resource for djembe players everywhere - lessons, videos, tips, history, and everything you need to master this incredible instrument.
What I Do (Spoiler: Everything!)
Here's the thing about AfroDrumming - it's just me. I do absolutely everything:
- Teaching & Course Creation - Every lesson, every video, every technique guide
- Djembe Repair & Restoration - For my local clients
- Custom Drum Crafting - Bespoke instruments that are genuine works of art
- Photography & Video Production - All the images and videos you see
- Content Creation - Every word, every page, every resource
- And when it's business time - Er, the bookkeeping, advertising, sales
This isn't a corporate operation muscling in on the djembe space. It's one person with genuine passion sharing authentic knowledge and craftsmanship.
Donations to fight the good fight are always welcome.
My Workshop Reality
My workspace tells the real story. I work from home in Reading, Berkshire - sometimes in my shed, sometimes at the kitchen table, sometimes in the garden. It's not glamorous, but it's where the magic happens.
I started doing repairs seriously about two years ago, though I've been fixing drums on and off since my Cape Town days. Every drum that comes through gets personal attention and traditional restoration methods.
My favorite projects?
The completely bespoke custom drums where I can use my imagination to create genuine works of art. Each one is unique, crafted with traditional techniques and modern precision.
Like this drum, 'The Wolf', created for a sanctuary in Cape Town.
Why Your Support Matters
When you support AfroDrumming, you're supporting a real person, not a company. Every course purchase, every repair commission, every recommendation helps keep this authentic resource alive and growing.
I'm committed to providing the highest quality djembe education and craftsmanship, but I can only do it with support from the community. Your trust means everything to me.
What I Love Most
The connection. After traveling to 22 countries and teaching thousands of people, what still amazes me is how djembe transcends everything - language, culture, age, background. Put a drum in someone's hands, and suddenly you're communicating on a deeper level.
That's what drives everything I do - sharing that connection, that joy, that authentic African tradition with people who feel the same passion I felt in that first Cape Town drum circle.
Let's Connect
Whether you're a complete beginner looking for your first lesson, an experienced player seeking advanced techniques, or someone with a beloved drum that needs expert restoration, I'm here to help.
Contact me at: support@afrodrumming.com
Phone: 07521 474 962
Workshop: Reading, Berkshire, UK
P.S. - One thing people are always surprised to learn? I can ice skate quite well! Just goes to show we all have hidden talents. 😊
Ready to start your djembe journey? Explore our free courses here or get in touch about repair services.
