​Kubatana and the Moringa Dancers are a multicultural group, performing African inspired music and dance. Our group learns from drum and dance masters who’s music and dance represents tribal celebrations, rituals and legends throughout Africa.
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With the blessings of our many African teachers and masters, our intention of our group is to celebrate the beauty and culture of African drum and dance . . and represent those teachers from a place of respect and gratitude. 

Originally, according to the Bambara people in Mali, the name of our main drum (the djembe) comes from the saying "Anke djé, anke bé" which translates to "everyone gather together in peace..
Please celebrate and come dance with us.

​Todays rhythms in this order are . . .

Didadi

Didadi is a rhythm of the Bamana from South Mali. In the Sikasso region the 'Didadidoundoun' is used when playing this rhythm. It is used for celebration at the end of the year and on receipt of highly honoured guests. It is one of the Malian rhythms in which one Dunun player plays two overlaid Dununs.

Sinte

A celebration rhythm from the Negaara people of Boké, Guinea. Sinte was played by women on large carved wooden drums called krins until the 1980’s. It has since been adapted to the Djembe and Dunun drum. Once done for girls rites of passage, it is now also done all year round for many occasions including full moon celebrations.

Kuku

Kuku is a vibrant coastal rhythm originating from the Manian ethnic group in coastal Guinea. It is traditionally performed by fisherwomen and has become a popular rhythm for celebrations.

Kassa

A harvest-dance of the Malinke-people in East Guinea. The word means granary (store house). During harvest-time the farmers go to the fields, that are sometimes far away from the village. A camp is made for as long as needed. Some woman come to prepare the meals (and to sing). During the day the drummers play Kassa to support the workers in the field. When the harvest is completed there is a big party in the village, called Kassalodon.

Macru

Makru is a rhythm of flirtation and seduction from the Susu people of Guinea. This is a lighthearted and energetic courting dance that gives young girls and boys an opportunity to express their love and admiration for each other. Traditionally it is played on a full moon eve following Yankadi.


Special thanks to our African teachers and drum and dance masters Koffie Fugah, Agbe De Souza, Mohammed and Epizo Bangoura, Chris Berry, Bobcar Gaye, Yaw Asumadou, King Marong, Naby Bangoura, Maputo Mensah, Anastasia Apetor, Koffie Mawuli, Jimmy Akiti, Edwin Yao  and Bassidi Kone
And those who we have studied from afar . . . Youssouf Koumbassa, Fara Tolno and may he rest in peace, Mamady Keita.

Contemplating a band/group name was something I had been doing for a while, just in case I needed to arrange a drumming performance. I actually never envisioned a drumming group for performances, as I was quite happy teaching rhythms to students through my passionate hobby of playing the djembe, but then I was asked to to get a group of like minded drummers together to perform for Africa Day here in Wellington. 

We were due to perform along side the Moringa Dancers and Robert Fugah on Saturday the 24th May 2014 and unfortunately the organisers of the event got a little confused between and another local drumming group and were just about to print the programmes for the event with the incorrect group on the program .

"OK, Time to decide", I thought. We really needed to have a name with a connection to the music we play and that represents who and what we are all about. I knew I wanted unity/togetherness to be the theme and I also made a conscious effort to not have African in the group name, as none of us are in fact African, but a name that can be recognised as African in origin. 

Why unity/togetherness? Well I wanted to have the group name be something that indicates a oneness in the drumming community. We come from all walks of life, but when we play together as a group, we become one. Unified. We are individuals bringing our individuality together to create a unique rhythm and sound.

Also according to the Bambara people in Mali, the name of our main drum (the djembe) comes from the saying "Anke djé, anke bé" which translates to "everyone gather together in peace." so unity and togetherness seems perfect.

My love of playing the mbira, marimba and feeling that we would ultimately incorporate these instruments in our group, led me to the Zimbabwean influence of Chris Berry, who was and still is a great teacher and friend. Whilst being taught to play these instruments and learning so many of his rhythms by Chris (who's music is heavily influenced by his life in Zimbabwe) led me to the Zimbabwean (Shona) word for togetherness and unity - Kubatana.