Mohata 2013

DRUM AND DANCE TOUR TO GUINEA 2013- BOOK NOW!


Mohata 2013 aims to provide students with the ultimate African experience. Students from all over the world are drawn to Guinée to study percussion and dance with the many outstanding artists still practicing their musical heritage. This study tour will be focussed on music and dance and aims to give all students the opportunity to learn traditional rhythms and dance in an African environment. By spending time in Guinée you will be studying with people who know and understand the roots of the djembe and its rhythms as the djembe originates from Guinee and the Manding tribe. The dance you learn will be traditional dance taught by some of the best dancers in Guinée. Every night you will be entertained by traditional musicians; flute, balafon, kora, and singing. Guinée has a lot more to offer than just its music. During your time there you will experience life in Africa, you will attend traditional ceremonies, eat traditional food visit villages and some of the islands off the coast of Guinée but perhaps the best part of visiting Guinée is experiencing the warmth and hospitality of its people. 




The tour wil start 7 January 2013 and will finish
1 February 2013.

Meals, accommodation and tuition are included in the price. Classes will be structured as follows.. 2 hours of drumming followed by 2 hours of dance in the morning. 2 hours of drumming followed by 2 hours dance in the afternoon. You will also have the opportunity to learn drum skinning techniques and various other aspects associated with looking after your djembe. At the end of the workshop students will be invited to participate in a Dounoumba Closing Ceremony. This is a once in a life time opportunity to share in the culture and be a part of the Guinean community. 

Most of the classes will be held in Conakry . There are many West African dialects spoken in Guinée. In Conakry the most commonly spoken dialect is Sousou. Most men and young people also speak French so it is time to brush up on your French, a phrase book may come in handy. If you do not speak French don't worry many of the Bangoura family and friends speak functional English and are always happy to help.

The Organiser - Mohamed Bangoura alias “Bangouraké”

Master Drummer Mohamed Bangoura “Bangourake” was born into a Griot family in Guinée. West Africa . He moved to in May 1998. Prior to his arrival in Australia Mohamed taught many students from , to Guinée to study percussion. While living in Guinée he worked with Percussion de Guinée and other national ballet ensembles based in Conakry . He is well respected amongst his peers in Conakry and his aim is to provide you with an enjoyable African experience as well as high quality tuition.Mohamed has been running cultural study tours to Guinée since 2000.

Course costs: 
Course starts 7 January 2013 and will finish
1 February 2012.
Drum: $2,400
(4 hrs per day x 4 weeks)
Dance: $2,400
(4 hrs per day x 4 weeks)
Drum & Dance: $3,500 (8 hrs per day x 4 weeks)

Other instruments to be discussed with the organiser. 

Your Instructors: 
Tutors will be Mohamed Bangoura , drum and dance  and Sekobah Camara, dance. They are all very experienced in drum and dance. Mohamed  and Sekobah will share the story and history of the music and dance for each rhythm you will learn. Sekobah is the Director and Choreographer of Ballet Matam and has worked with Les Ballets Africaines. Sekobah will be assisted by Aminata Conte who has been dancing since she could walk and has been teaching Mohamed's dance classes in Africa for the past 7 years. She is a member of the national Ballet Troup Africa O'ye. 

Meals: 
All your meals will be supplied for the 3/4 week duration of the tours. Please note that rice, fish and vegetables are the staple diet of the Guinean people and will therefore be your staple diet for 3/4 weeks. We will, however, endeavour to provide you with as much variety in the Guinean cuisine as possible. The meals will be prepared by African women and will be traditional. 

Accommodation:
Your accommodation will be on the outskirts of the city in a large house. It takes approximately 30 minutes to travel to the city centre by taxi. The accommodation will be basic but clean and secure so you and your belongings will be taken care of. We will provide mattresses and 1 bed sheet, you will need to bring an extra sheet or sleeping bag to sleep in. It is also recommended to buy a mosquito net in !  Rooms will sleep 2-4 people. 

Airfares: 
Airfares are to be arranged individually. It will cost approximately $3,200 to fly to West Africa . You can fly via or Europe . Europe is generally the easiest way. Belgium Airlines or Air France fly into Conakry from Europe . Royal Air Marroc is also an option. Shop around as prices vary from agent to agent. 

Bookings and Deposits: 
Mohamed (mobile) 0415 297 104 or/and in writing to PO BOX 214, Waverley NSW 2024 AUSTRALIA or by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Your deposit of $200 is due by the end of December 2013. The remainder of your tour fee is to be paid in cash prior to Mohamed’s departure for Conakry in January 2013.
Please note that Australian dollars are not accepted in Conakry , the best currency to travel with is $US or Euro.

More information about us can be found at www.djembekan.net