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African Drum Clinic
April 15 @ 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Music Building, Room 250
One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192
Discover the Ancient Rhythms of the Kongo Kingdom!
Join us for an immersive Congolese drumming master class led by Kiazi Malonga, master drummer, lecturer, recording artist and lead musician of Fua Dia Kongo. With a lifetime of experience performing and teaching across the U.S., Canada, Costa Rica, Europe, and Africa, Kiazi carries forward a deep family legacy of Congolese traditional music. In this hands-on drum clinic, you’ll dive into the powerful rhythms of the Kongo Kingdom, played for centuries in ceremonies, celebrations, and community gatherings. You’ll learn the foundations of traditional Ngoma drumming, exploring intricate rhythms that tell stories, connect generations, and inspire movement. This is more than just a class—it’s an opportunity to experience the soul of Congolese music and make music together in a vibrant, communal setting. This workshop is open to all levels—whether you’re an experienced musician or completely new to drumming. A limited number of drums will be available, but feel free to bring your own.
Check out Malonga’s new album Zu Dia Ngoma and peruse his Instagram to get a glimpse of what to expect. Don’t miss this chance to connect with history, culture, and rhythm in a powerful and unforgettable way!
Supported by the College of Humanities & the Arts’ Artistic Excellence Programming Grant
