Wooden Roots Experience announces 2024 dates

The programme includes djembe workshops led by world-class West African music artists, a dununba celebration with drumming, dancing and storytelling from Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso, and concludes with a concert by pioneering Gambian kora player Sona Jobarteh.

“The Wooden Roots Experience promises to be an exciting, dynamic, specialised event,” Wooden Roots founder and djembe craftsman Marcus Brown said. “We believe in inclusion, so we welcome participants from absolute beginners to highly skilled drummers. We’re incredibly proud to have some of the best globally renowned West African artists involved. I know that everyone will leave the weekend feeling inspired, uplifted and totally energised. As I like to say, it’s going to be fire.”

Drum teacher and lead artist Babara Bangoura Fakoly added: “I’m very excited about teaching throughout the weekend and sharing the authentic nature of West African drums and drumming with people. It’s wonderful that Wooden Roots is offering people an exceptional quality experience in a beautiful setting. It’s going to be a great weekend. We truly encourage people of all ages, cultural backgrounds and abilities to join us for this event.”

Aida Diop, also a dance teacher, noted that this year’s event “includes sessions to help people connect and make sense of how West African drums and dance work together. The dancing will bring some wonderful vibes to an already wonderful weekend. It’s also an opportunity to gain a more authentic understanding of a dynamic art form.”

Suffolk-based music education organisation Britten Pears Arts’ head of performance and public engagement, Fraser Wilson, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting the Wooden Roots Experience again, which is a big, bold happening with exceptional artistic talent. We love supporting the event as it echoes our own reputation as an internationally recognised cultural organisation. Naturally, we encourage people to snap up tickets and be part of what is becoming an iconic weekend in rural Suffolk.”

Further details can be obtained by contacting the Oyster Inn or emailing [email protected].

Interested participants can view the full programme here.