Akwaaba has been performing and teaching African music in Western Australian schools and learning centres for over 20 years. Students and teachers alike are captivated by the traditional, colourful costumes and the team's enthusiasm to share the African culture in a positive, fun and energetic way.  

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Early Learning Centres

Exposure to music and cultures is a highly valuable gift to offer young minds.  Our early learning workshops are designed to take children on a musical and cultural journey. Children will be given their own drum to play and they will also have the opportunity to improvise and make their own music on some of the other traditional African percussion instruments that we bring with us. We have drums and instruments suitable for all ages - from babies up to adults. During the session, children and staff will have the opportunity to make music as well as dance and sing together!

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We also offer entertainment for Christmas parties and end of year functions where parents and siblings can also have a hands-on experience of African music and culture.

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Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) & School Holidays

School holiday workshops are a terrific way to provide children an opportunity to work off some of their excess energy in a fun and inclusive environment. Working with small or large groups of students, everyone will be provided with a drum to play that is of an appropriate size for their age group. We can also provide stands or other 

instruments to suit children with disabilities.

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School Incursions

​​The workshops and performances are suitable for K-12 and are formulated to:
   

• Encourage students to work together as a team

• ​Enhance hand-eye coordination

• Enhance creativity through dance

• Enhance listening skills

• Expose students to musical traditions from West Africa and the role music plays within the West African culture

• Release stress

• Overcome inhibitions and promote confidence

• Develop fine and gross motor skills

• Break down social, gender, age and cultural differences

• Foster left/right brain integration

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Workshops

One-Off Workshops

​Involve the use of African drums and percussion instruments as a tool for students to connect and communicate. These workshops are not necessarily based on students’ musical abilities but are about personal expression, developing a sense of self-confidence and promoting positive class dynamics. By the end of the workshop students will have had the opportunity to drum, dance and sing together. Authentic, traditional African drums and other percussion instruments are provided for every student.

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A series of workshops

Students will be taught the basic technique of playing African drums and some traditional African rhythms which can then lead to a performance.
 

Team building workshops for staff

A great way to start the term and develop a sense of unity amongst the team or as an end of term stress release.

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​Performances

Akwaaba’s high energy, interactive performances introduce students to the variety of instruments and songs that are unique to West African culture.  Paul begins the session with a group or solo performance then invites students and teachers to join him either in their seats or on stage.

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All workshops and performances are appropriate for themed days and individual class programs, Harmony Day/Week, end of year incursions and as part of the whole school music program.