Description
Langni Fan African Drum and Dance Camp
(Camp Langni Fan for short).
Djembe Alchemy is proud and excited to introduce Camp Langni Fan to the Australian east coast African drum and dance scene. A four day gathering to connect, create joy and find belonging through rhythm, dance, movement, music and fun. Langni Fan, is a Guinean Sousou word roughly translated as “coming together is good” or indicating joy in gathering.
Modern life can seem very disconnected in ways, from many aspects we are more connected than ever and at the same time we probably experience a lot less in-person, quality connection than ever before. We all seek and need connection and community, it gives us meaning and helps us to feel truly alive. Coming together for an active, vibrant, healthy activity like drumming and dance, helps us to explore challenges together, to achieve something together and to connect on a deeper human level. This creates a special energetic connection between individuals and the group as a whole and is a fundamental part of a healthy human experience.
The camp will be held near the beautiful Lake Macquarie, 1.5hrs north of Sydney at Morisset, just a short drive from the highway making it a super convenient location for travellers and day trippers.
The full program will be announced closer to the time but to give you an idea here is the preliminary plan coving:
– Djembe drumming – Dunun drumming – African Dance – Dundun dance – Singing – Kora – Yoga – Camp fire drum jam – Open-mic – Performances –
Friday 23 April just after lunch. Registration and kick off.
You organise your own lunch for Friday and we will kick off the workshops in the early afternoon starting with Open Drumming and Open Dance meaning they that they are accessible to everyone.
Friday evening
We will have dinner together in the hall and then gather around the fire for a welcome for a drum jam (weather and fire restrictions dependent).
Saturday 24 April 2027
Saturday will be jam packed! Starting with Yoga before breakfast, then we get into the workshops with a choice of various drumming and dance workshops in the morning. The after lunch we will gather for a joint workshop, bringing everyone together before splitting out for a range of smaller more relaxed workshops in the afternoon including Kora, Singing and Dun duns.
Saturday evening
Saturday evening after dinner we will gather as the fire again for a relaxing Sound Bath and then an Open Mic for anyone that feels like sharing in a relaxed informal and supportive setting. Song, poetry, instrumentals anything goes!
Sunday 25 April 2027
Sunday will run a lot like Saturday, starting out with Yoga and finishing the day after dinner with some Performances from our artists and any performance groups that would like to put their hand up.
Monday 26 April 2027
After pack-up and breakfast we will have a couple of workshops before coming together for our final Finale Party with demonstrations of what’s been learnt and a general drum and dance party. Our last meal together will be Monday lunch before our farewell, hugs, and everyone hitting the road for a safe drive home with sore hands and feet, a very big smile of their face and a rhythm in your mind that you just can’t shake.
Catering & Accommodation
The camp is fully catered and accommodates a range of dietary needs. There are options for dormitory style accommodation or you can camp out under the stars (BYO camping equipment, unpowered and please no mechanical generators).
Dates
Starting Friday 23 April 2027 2pm running through to a grand finale on Monday 26 April lunchtime, it will be jam packed and a lot of fun.
Equipment
Kora: BYO, we may have a couple for hire so reach out if you’re interested, this must be arranged beforehand.
Djembe: BYO, drum hire available with ticket purchase.
Dun dun: Provided although if you have a set, the more the merrier.
Voice: BYO (can someone bring a nice one for me?)
Yoga mat: Strictly BYO, or use a towel.
Bedding: BYO Sheets, pillow etc (if you are travelling and luggage restricted, reach out beforehand and we can arrange something).
Pricing
Tickets are all access for the days you register, and you choose how much or little you want to do and which workshsop to attend.
| Ticket type | Price | Deposit (50%) |
| Full Retreat Pass (Camping) | 699 | 350 |
| Full Retreat Pass (Dorms) | 819 | 410 |
| Day Pass (from 9am Saturday or Sunday includes workshops, lunch, dinner and evening activities) | 196 | 98 |
Balance due 27 March 2027. Invoices will be sent and Direct Bank Transfer requested after the Deposit is paid here online.
Refunds
Before 20 March 2027, if you request a refund you will receive the full amount minus a 10% admin fee to cover transaction costs.
From 20 March 2027 onwards, no refunds will be provided since we will be locked into all associated costs.
We require a minimum number of participants locked in with deposit paid by 20 March 2027. If we don’t meet the minimum number of participants at this time then the retreat will be cancelled and full refunds paid.
Waiver & Release
You will be asked to complete a Waiver and Release prior to the event, please fill it in and send it back asap to help the event run smoothly.
Our Hosts
Ben and Sophie from Djembe Alchemy
Djembe Alchemy was created by Ben and Sophie in 2024 to build local community through the joys of drumming. As long-term students of African drumming and dance, they are passionate about continuing to learn and share the rich and beautiful music and culture that has been shared with them. The goal is to create and nurture interest in West African drumming an dance, connect people creating a vibrant healthy community, and provide opportunities for West African to share their culture directly.
Our Teachers
Mohamed Bangoura (Bangourake)
Bangourake (Mohamed Bangoura) is described as the man with “hands of fire” and “the lion of Matam” and is known internationally as a recognised master drummer. He grew up in a village a few hours north of Conakry, the capital of Guinea, called Bourramya-Koubya. Born into a family of Griots (keepers of the music, stories and culture), music is in Mohamed’s blood.
Mohamed began performing at the age of five, participating in traditional ceremonies. He became a member of the internationally renowned Percussion de Guineé and featured as a soloist, and was also involved in numerous other national ballet ensembles in Conakry.
As a Griot, Mohamed’s life mission is to pass on the oral histories and traditions of Guinea through music, dance and storytelling. He excels at this through his live performances and teaching with an astonishing amount of charisma, energy and lightning-fast hands.
Among numerous accolades, in 2004, Mohamed’s album, Djembe Kan, was nominated for an ARIA Award for Best World Music Album.
