About

AFRICAN BEAT

Led by Ghana-born master drummer Tuza, African Beat is the most authentic provider of African entertainment in Australia. Specialising in interactive African drumming for team building, our performances are dynamic, authentic and create a sense of unity and team spirit through the power of music.We have been mesmerising audiences since 2007, performing for everyone from The Pope, The Socceroos, Kim Kardashian and The Premier of NSW.Whether you are searching for entertainment for school groups, corporate team building, a wedding or charity event, we guarantee that powerful African beats will get the audience on their feet — and talking about it for years to come!

OUR TEAM

With over 15 years of experience, our expert team has the skills, knowledge and talent to ensure your event is a success. From the planning stage to the performance, African Beat goes above and beyond to create a hassle-free and enjoyable event that suits your individual needs.

Our Team

At African Beat, we pride ourselves on being Australia’s most authentic providers of African performance. All of our African Entertainers are professional dancers and drummers. They all grew up in Africa, embodying the traditions and spirit of their nation. We guarantee you will be wowed by our talented performers who look and sound the part!With over 15 years of experience, our expert team has the skills, knowledge and talent to ensure your event is a success. From the planning stage to the performance, African Beat goes above and beyond to create a hassle-free and enjoyable event that suits your individual needs.

African Beat is a leading provider of authentic African drumming and dance experiences, dedicated to sharing the rich cultural heritage of Africa through powerful rhythm and movement. Based in Australia, we specialize in high-energy performances, interactive workshops, and educational programs that bring communities together, inspire creativity, and promote cultural understanding. Our team of passionate and professional artists—all with deep roots in West African traditions—deliver dynamic, engaging experiences suitable for schools, corporate events, festivals, team-building sessions, and community celebrations. Through the heartbeat of the drum and the expressive language of dance, African Beat connects people of all ages and backgrounds to the spirit of Africa. Whether it’s a hands-on drumming session, a stage performance, or a cultural immersion, African Beat promises a journey full of rhythm, energy, and joy. Join us in celebrating the soul of Africa—one beat at a time.

Tuza Afutu

Tuza is a master drummer from west Africa (Ghana) and the pioneer of African Beat - named one of the 100 faces of Business of 2018. Tuza begun drumming when he was a child on a plastic jerry can and practised every day after school with the local musician from his tribe - the "Ga people". Later he developed his skills with Ghana's Top National Cultural Troupe.

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#AfricanMasks #CulturalDance #TraditionalCostume #StoryThroughDance #MaskedPerformance #CulturalArt #HeritagePerformance

Ezekiel Bortei

Ezekiel started his music career at the young age of 10, becoming part of the junior Salaka Dance Ensemble. He quickly stood out as the best percussionist and a beautiful singer, skilled at performing both talents at the same time! He brings with him lots of performance experience at local festivals, parties and funerals and was welcomed member of the adult ensemble when he was old enough to join them. Ezekiel drums with vibrant energy, wearing a huge smile, drawing the audience into the performance. His energetic acrobatic dancing is a crowd favourite.

African percussion Djembe drumming Traditional African drums Live African drum performance West African drum circle Tribal drumming experience Interactive drum workshops Cultural drumming classes Rhythm workshops Africa Percussive entertainment

Mohammed Bangoura

Mohammed comes from Guinea (West Africa). He was a member of the internationally acclaimed "Percussion de Guinea" and other National Ensembles. Mohammed was born into a family of Griot (Urban Storytellers and teachers of history), which seek to keep alive their traditional culture through music and to pass on the stories of Africa to future generations. Mohammed teaches drum workshops annually in Japan, Korea, China, Guinea and Czech Republic. He holds regular classes in both Sydney and Canberra.

Marlin

Richard is a lover of African drumming, dance and acrobatics. As a founding member of the Junior Salaka Dance Ensemble.

African dance classes Cultural dance performances Traditional African dancing West African dance workshops Afrobeat dance shows African heritage dance Tribal dance experience Ethnic dance troupe African choreography Community dance engagement

Patrick Lartey "Lucky"

Lucky almost looks like he's going to fly when he leaps in the air, dancing with beautiful grace. With over 14 years of training in numerous genres of dance.

Frank

Mory is a passionate African Dancer. Born in Guinea, he is a custodian of the rich West African tradition of percussion and dance

Nii Armah

Mory is a passionate African Dancer. Born in Guinea, he is a custodian of the rich West African tradition of percussion and dance

Adama

Mory is a passionate African Dancer. Born in Guinea, he is a custodian of the rich West African tradition of percussion and dance

Samoko

Mory is a passionate African Dancer. Born in Guinea, he is a custodian of the rich West African tradition of percussion and dance

Salaka Dance Ensemble

The Salaka Ensemble of Ghana was formed by Master Drummer Tuza in Nungua, Ghana in the mid-1990’s – when the members were young teenagers. Every day after school the group would rehearse, learning rhythms from their local elders and community cultural groups. The name Salaka means “Sharing”. As Ghana is becoming more Western, there is a danger that the beautiful rhythms and dances, so important to African music and cultural heritage, may be lost. In order to preserve this rich heritage, Tuza devoted his energy over many years to Salaka amidst resistance from parents who felt drumming was unimportant.Salaka quickly grew into an exciting display of culture and pure talent, performing at festivals and special events in Ghana, and are now a highly esteemed force in their community. Salaka has had the honour of performing for President Kufuor at his castle in the capital city of Ghana, have won numerous drumming competitions and were chosen to lead Ghana’s 50th independence anniversary celebrations at Black Star Square in the capital city, Accra.

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About Tuza

Tuza is a Master Drummer from Ghana (West Africa) and the pioneer of African Beat-named one of the 100 Faces of Small Business for 2018.Tuza began drumming when he was a child on a plastic jerry can and practised every day after school with the local musicians from his tribe - the "Ga" people.Later he developed his skills with Ghana's top National cultural troupe, The Dance Factory.African Beat began with the purpose of sharing Tuza's rich cultural heritage with people from all walks of life. Tuza brings over 15 years of facilitation experience to African Beat's corporate events,along with his exuberant energy.Tuza also leads The Salaka Ensemble,one of Ghana's acclaimed tribal drum & dance troupes.Members of The Salaka Ensemble visit Australia annually performing nationwide. Tuza facilitates African music intensive workshops to Ghana (every January).Widely recognised as one of Australia's finest drummers, Tuza transfers his passion for drumming into the hearts of every participant.More about Tuza Afutu.

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