About Us

Simon Fraser - Director

Simon Fraser has been a percussionist all his life and has travelled the world as a musician and teacher for two decades.

He has brought the power of African Drumming to tens of thousands of people from many cultures and backgrounds.

In the late nineties he started introducing African Drumming to corporations and businesses around Australia as a means to improve productivity in the workplace and strengthen team bonds.

Since then Simon and his team have developed a unique approach to team building that uses the power of authentic African rhythms to maximize positive results for your business.

Matt Young

An engaging and patient teacher, Matt Young bridges the gap between the worlds of business and music. As a successful entrepreneur he understands the left-brain needs and challenges of the corporate world; and as a musician he has developed an appreciation for the mindsets and approaches required in this 'right-brain' field.

Matt will ensure you have fun as you learn about the parallels between music and business and how to tap into the free-flowing, relaxed and creative aspects of mind which lead to greater harmony, co-operation and fresh approaches to problem solving and projects.

Mady Keita

Mady Keita began his drumming tutelage under the guidance of the legendary Mouriba Keita. From the age of fourteen, Mady studied the traditional rhythms of his people - The Bambara tribe from Mali. Steeped in a heritage of djembe, dun, calabash and song, Mady soon became an active member of local Bamako outfits Ballet Bimba and The Ballet National.

He graduated to chief percussionist of "Shemin de Fer" and starred in "Troupe Saura" — a music and theatre production in Bamako. Later Mady began his own Ensemble, "Manding Percussion" and continued to work as a renowned freelance percussionist with the likes of Rokia Traore. Mady is a patient and dedicated teacher with a wealth of knowledge of authentic Manding rhythms.

Claire Toohill

As a vibrant performer, Claire Toohill has lit up stages across Australia and performed with many respected artists. In her 20 years of dancing Claire has explored many dance styles including West African, funk, hip hop and tap.

As a qualified teacher and facilitator Claire creates a lively and inclusive space in her workshops, allowing participants to break free from nerves and dance like no one's watching!

Joseph Appiah Kojo Annan

Ghanaian born drummer and dancer Appiah has mastered the diverse culture of Africa and represents the beauty of Ghana with his telling dance style. He performs with precision, skill and high energy which creates a joyful and exciting experience within his classroom.

He has newly arrived in Melbourne after travelling to London to perform in a new West End show, ‘Stormforce’ African beat Irish feet. While abroad he has continued to maintain his 15 piece drum and dance company, Asanti Dance Theatre, based in Cape Coast, Ghana. With a strong history of teaching African drum and dance, afro hip hop, freestyle, afro contemporary and afro aerobics to all ages and abilities he is now sharing his skills, culture and passion with the Australian community and is in very high demand.