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Master Drummer & Dancer from Guinea, EPIZO BANGOURA is coming to Wellington! Don't miss out on this exciting chance to work with Epizo. How lucky we are to have the opportunity to learn from him!ABOUT EPIZO:
Abdoulaye "Epizo" Bangoura is a celebrated Guinean-born master percussionist, griot, and dancer known for blending traditional West African rhythms with modern sounds. Based in Australia, he is renowned for his expertise in djembe, balafon, and kora.
Background: Born in Conakry, Guinea, he is a Griot, specializing in keeping ancestral traditions alive through music and storytelling. He began playing at age 3 and later toured with the National Ballet of Guinea.
Career Highlights: He relocated to France in 1984, then to New York City in the 1990s, where he formed the original African Express. He migrated to Australia in 1996, creating a new version of the band.
Musical Style: His performances are known for raw intensity and dynamic interplay of percussion and strings, often blending the kora (African harp) with powerful drumming.
Discography: He released N' Na (1998) and Inchallah (2000), with the latter nominated for Best World Music Album at the 2001 ARIA Music Awards.
Workshops & Education: He is highly active in teaching, offering drumming and dance workshops across New Zealand and Australia.
All are welcome, NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY, and drums are provided!
These workshops are very inclusive and will meet you where you are at for all levels and beginners are welcome, the classes labelled intermediate and open will be more challenging, but all are very welcome to join in and give it a go as long as you don't mind a challenge!
This is an awesome opportunity to learn from Epizo, a master among masters.
Schedule:
Saturday 16 May, 2026
Beginner Drumming 9:30am-10:30am ($25)
morning tea break
Intermediate Drumming 11am-1pm ($35)
lunch break BYO, or find nearby, there will be light snacks, coffee & tea provided
Beginner Dance 2pm-3pm ($25)
afternoon tea break
Intermediate Dance 3:30pm-5:30pm ($35)
Sunday 17 May, 2026
Beginner Drumming 9:30am-10:30am ($25)
morning tea break
Intermediate Drumming 11am-12:30pm ($30)
lunch break BYO, or find nearby, there will be light snacks, coffee & tea provided
Dun Dun Dance 1pm - 2:30pm ($30)
Discounts available for signing up for multiple workshops!
Full Weekend $170
Saturday $100
Sunday $70
Full Weekend Drum Only $95
Full Weekend Dance Only $75
Saturday Drum or Dance Only $50
Sunday Drum only $40
Sunday Dun Dun Dance only $30
Otherwise individual workshop rates apply :)
ALL ARE WELCOME to the intermediate/open level drum & dance sessions as well, just be ready for a little more spice & challenge!
All Workshops are at:
Cook Islands Society Hall
220 Hanson St, Newtown
At the intersection of Hanson & Stoke St, go into the carpark. The hall is up the drive to the right of the Pipe Band Hall.
We can offer further discounts for those who need them. Just send us a message and we can sort you out with a rate that works for you in these tough economic times.
Don't miss out because of money, we would rather have you here!!
Any questions about the weekend workshop please contact Jenny: [email protected] 0276996918
*There is also an opportunity available to book in private lessons in drumming, dance, dun dun dance, kora, or balafon with Epizo all day Friday, 15 May, for more information on those sessions please contact [email protected]*
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Event Venue
Cook Islands NZ Society, 220 Hanson St, Newtown, Wellington 6021, New Zealand, Wellington
Tickets
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