African Beat presents a well-structured, informative and highly interactive performance called “Salaka”, which means “Sharing” in Ghana. Students are immersed in the rich culture and rhythms of Africa, in an entertaining and educational way. Best of all – it’s hands-on!
The Salaka school incursion is performed by Tuza Afutu, a Master Drummer from Ghana. He has over 15 years of experience performing at thousands of schools across Australia. Tuza is also accompanied by an African dancer. Tuza is a favourite among students, who love his colourful, traditional African clothing, his unrivalled talent, humour and exuberant energy.
Bringing literally hundreds of drums to your school, every student will learn and play an authentic African rhythm. Salaka will transform your students into a dynamic percussion ensemble. The students will learn a traditional African song to accompany the drumming rhythm and experience African dancing. Students will be transported to the tribal villages of Africa.
Modern and relevant issues that affect children and families in developing African countries are discussed in a positive way through music, from a performer who speaks from direct experience. The folk tales and stories that are integrated throughout the show, give students an informed perspective on village life and culture in Africa. This is a meaningful and valuable way for students to gain cultural sensitivity for their counterparts on the other side of the world.
The show introduces students to an array of traditional African instruments of all shapes and sounds, including the ‘talking drum’, djembe drum, kpanlogo drum, box drum, bells and shakers.
Salaka is authorised by the Department of Education NSW and interrelates with core aspects of the syllabus including music, drama, physical education, dance, geography, history and HSIE. All our performers have Working With Children Checks and Public Liability Insurance.
.jpg)
Cost per student: $5.50 plus GST (for more than 145 students per performance)
Min Cost: $795* plus GST (for up to 145 students per performance)
Suitability: K-12
Duration: 50-55 minutesTeachers Resource Kit $70 plus GST (with detailed preparation activities and music tracks)
*Reduced Fee of $635 plus GST will apply for smaller/special needs schools – please contact us for more info.
Prices quoted are for schools within 60 minutes of the Sydney CBD. Schools further away may be charged slightly more depending on location – please contact us for a customised quote.
African Beat offers intensive African Rhythm Workshops in African drumming, dancing or singing. Available as a one-off session, an intensive day program or a weekly program tailored to suit your school’s needs.
Why not end the workshop program with a showcase of the students newly learnt talents in a performance for the whole school and community!
Prices start at $320 + GST for regular workshops or $500 + GST for one-off workshops.
A team building experience with a drum for every staff member, guided by our Master Drummers and Dancers we will transform your staff into African percussionists! Bring everyone together through the power of drumming.
African Beat also offers targeted professional development for Music Teachers who would like to expand their curriculum with African rhythms.
Prices start from $650 + GST. Discounted rates apply if we are already at your school for a student performance or workshop.
Get our Full Price List for Teachers Team BuildingModern and relevant issues that affect children and families in developing African countries are discussed in a positive way through music, from a performer who speaks from direct experience. The folk tales and stories that are integrated throughout the show, give students an informed perspective on village life and culture in Africa. This is a meaningful and valuable way for students to gain cultural sensitivity for their counterparts on the other side of the world.
Get a quick quote
.jpg)
.jpg)
Our talented performers leads the kids into a world of rhythm, where every beat sparks excitement! With drums in hand and big smiles on their faces, the children eagerly follow along, feeling the pulse of the music in their hearts.
“I just wanted to let you know how much we all enjoyed Tuza’s sessions yesterday. The students had a wonderful time and experienced the excellent model of teaching that Tuza demonstrated. He is a truly gifted performer and teacher and we were all privileged to have this time with him. I really hope that we will be able to work with Tuza again next year.”
Kathryn Marsh, Sydney Conservatorium of Music
“Wonderful. They loved every moment!! The performance was amazing, particularly the way the performers connected with the audience. An unforgettable experience for all. Thank you very much!”
Christina Rooney, St Patricks Parish School
“Merrylands Public School had a fantastic time. All children were involved and enjoyed every minute of the performance. It was humorous and educational. Thank you for a wonderful musical experience”
Mrs Meredith Douglas – Principal of Merrylands Public School
“Lots and lots of great feedback. Can’t say enough good things. Thanks for organising”
Steven Bamford – Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School, Kellyville
“Fantastic! Awesome! Best ever! Held all the students’ attention from K-6. Involved every single child!”
W.E Tierney, Tower Street Public School
“The African Beat show was FANTASTIC! EVERYONE just loved it, all the staff and children together! Tuza was so energetic and engaged the children all the way through. One teacher even went so far as to say it was the best ‘in-service’ she had ever experienced!!!”
Cathy Moore, Holy Cross College, Woollongong
“The performance was fabulous-the students were on a “musical high” as were the teachers. We all have intentions of a return performance next year.”
Karen Unicomb Warilla High School
“An excellent performance engaging all students. We will have them back again next year.”
Alison McLuckie Gymea North Public School
“The most engaging performance for children we’ve had at the school. Excellent.”
Bernard Hortense, Our Lady of the Nativity School, Lawson
“All the students, staff and parents who attended were amazed and thrilled by their hugely entertaining interactive and dynamic performance. Congratulations to them and your whole organisation on providing a fantastic experience for our school community.”
Hugh Miller, Tempe Public School
“They were exuberant! Loved it! Every child and teacher were fully involved in the experience. We would invite you again.”
Mrs Broome, Brooklyn Public School
“I liked when you jumped in the air it was really cool! I also liked when you let us play on the drums. I really enjoyed you. Thank you for coming and showing us how your country is different from ours”
Jessica, Yidarra School
“Students were wrapped – enthralled. Fantastic performer – Tuza had everyone involved – students loved performing.”
Jane Burkitt, Burwood Girls High School
“Enthusiastic, interested, moved, clapped, sang, enjoyed. The Teachers Notes were easy to follow. Glad we did activities from book/CD because students had no inhibitions. Recommend highly.”
Ronelle Hewes, Carlton South Public School
“Students were actively engaged in the performance and enjoyed the hands on interaction. They were also very impressed with the accomplished skills of the performer. It was highly enjoyed by staff as well. Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Carol Muscat, Head of Music, Bede Polding College“
Tuza’s performance brought an incredible energy to our music camp. The reaction of the choristers was extremely enthusiastic and it was great to have EVERYONE involved in singing, dancing and fantastic drumming. Amazing!!”
Timothy Marks, National Artistic Director, Australian Youth Choir
“I just wanted to let you know how wonderful today was. The performer was amazing. I have had a lot of feedback from all the teachers about how much they enjoyed the experience. It was magic to see all the children on stage and all their hands working in unison (well almost!) and the performer was so skilled that we still sounded great! Just amazing.”
Jayne Jefferson, St Marys South Public School
“I just wanted to tell you how outstanding the guy was who entertained us. He was so in tune with our kids needs and was so patient and understanding.
We had a fantastic time and please pass on to him how wonderful he was.”
Lynn Bornstein, Moriah College, Camp Sabbaba
“I just want to thank you so much for an amazing experience our kids had at band camp on Wednesday night. The performer was incredible, obviously very talented and was so engaging. Kids, parents, teachers – we all loved it! I will gladly be recommending you to anyone I can.”Janine Seelig, Forestville Public School
“The guys were sensational and the kids absolutely loved them. An outstanding teambuilding activity and great way to end our learning conference”
Daryl Butler, Jamison High School
“Outstanding, A great enthusiastic performance, wonderful interactions.”
Fi O’Shaughnessy, St Cecilia’s Primary School
.jpeg){kind=small}
