This week, a group of teachers came together at Old Basford Primary for a truly uplifting and inspiring CPD session led by Ivorian percussionist Sidiki Dembélé. This joyful and practical training focused on teaching traditional West African percussion in UK classroom settings. The session left us all feeling energised, connected, and ready to bring new rhythms to our students.

Throughout the session, Sidiki introduced a range of instruments including the djembe, dundun, balafon, and kora. With warmth and clarity, he helped the group explore their unique voices and the roles they play in West African communities. Crucially, the session encouraged deep reflection on our responsibilities as educators: when we bring these instruments into schools, we’re not just sharing sounds – we’re sharing culture, heritage, and story. These traditions have meaning and depth, and they deserve to be taught with respect and understanding.

Sidiki guided the group through rhythms such as Abissa, a celebratory rhythm from the Nzema people of Côte d’Ivoire, and Kuku, a popular rhythm traditionally played by women in Guinea. He demonstrated how these patterns can be adapted for different age groups and modelled differentiation beautifully so that teachers could imagine using them from Early Years right through to Key Stage 2 and beyond.

A real highlight of the day was welcoming a Year 2 class into the session, giving teachers the chance to watch the teaching in action. There was a real sense of joy, curiosity and connection in the room and the young learners were utterly captivated. Watching Sidiki teach live was a gift: clear, fun, and full of heart.

We were blown away by the feedback from teachers:

“Lively, happy, full of heart! I’m going to put these rhythms into action with children in Years 5 and 6.”
“Such inspiring learning – joyful! I need to practise them as soon as possible.”
“I’m confident to discuss culture and rhythms. Togetherness!”
“I’m going to implement the djembe into nursery – pacey and exciting!”
“So uplifting – I’m going to expand into Key Stage 1, not just Key Stage 2.”

It was clear that everyone left not just with new musical tools, but with a deeper commitment to authenticity, cultural learning, and inclusive practice.

More sessions are on the way as part of our ongoing programme to bring authentic and high-quality West African percussion knowledge-sharing to classrooms across Nottingham. These sessions are part of the Early Years Creative and Cultural Education Programme, supported by Arts Council England and CommuniTree Nottingham.

A big thank you to ChalleNGe Nottingham for supporting this work, and to our ever-growing djembe drumming community of music teachers in Nottingham who are passionate about delivering inclusive, creative learning rooted in respect and celebration of world cultures.

Stay tuned for more CPD dates – and keep the rhythms alive!

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