Djembe 360: Whole Rhythm Series
In Djembe 360 you will learn three rhythms exactly as they were taught by three of the greatest grandmasters of the djembe.
This class was inspired by Clif Koufman’s recent trip to Guinea, West Africa. After years of teaching West African drumming he wanted to do something different by featuring the rhythms of three grandmasters in one class. Djembe 360 will include rhythms taught to him by Mamady Keita, Famoudou Konate and Bolokada Conde.
Each rhythm has its own distinct feel, and in this series, Clif will pass them down just as he learned them—preserving the structure, energy, and intention behind each groove. This isn’t just about djembe—participants will experience the full rhythm system, including three bass drum parts: Dununba (large), Sangban (medium), and Kenkeni (small)—each with bells on top—as well as signals and solo phrasing.The class will move fast and challenge everyone, offering something exciting and fresh.
Class Schedule & Location
đź“Ť Centennial Performing Arts Studios
📅 8 Tuesdays, April 22–June 10, 2025
⏰ 6:30–7:45 PM (Classes extended to 8:00 PM on May 6 & June 3)
Pricing & Registration
Early Bird (Until March 31): $160 ($20 per class)
Regular Price (Starting April 1): $200 ($25 per class)
What You’ll Learn
Djansa (Mamady Keita)
• 3 Dunun Parts
• 2 Djembe accompaniments
• Solo Original – sequence of phrases
Soko Laban (Bolokada Condé)
• 3 Dunun Parts
• 2 Djembe accompaniments
• Break – traditional phrase
• Solo phrase – unique phrasing for improvisation
Mendiani (Famoudou Konaté)
• 3 Dunun Parts
• 2 Djembe accompaniments
• Dunun variations
• Solo phrase – rhythm-specific phrases
This class is for both beginners and advanced players
• Beginners will get an introduction to three distinct rhythms, their history, and their feel.
• Advanced players will dive deep into variations, solos, and breaks exactly as they were taught by the masters.