Drumming up African funds

2:08pm Tuesday 18th September 2007

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Master drummer Kandara Cissoko is hosting workshops to raise money for a trip to Africa this winter.

Kandara comes from a family which toured western Africa playing at important ceremonies. He now has his own band in the Gambia.

He holds drum lessons for students from all over the world and is planning to teach in the Gambia during a two-week workshop in December.

In the meantime, the group is hoping to raise money for a minibus to use during their trip.

Two years ago, Kandara won a place with Franco Alliance to tour west African countries where people on low wages could enjoy their concerts.

Kandara's African workshops aim to teach his students different rhythms to those learned in the UK and give his band of ten drummers and dancers the chance to perform.

During the run-up to the trip, workshops will be held in Newport's Memorial Hall on Tuesdays, from 7pm to 9pm; Span Arts Hall, Narberth, on Mondays, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, and Skrinkle Hall, Manorbier on Thursdays, 7pm to 9pm. Events will also be held during the arts festival. Contact Janet on 01834 843121.