African Music Workshops

Southern African music workshops covering drumming, marimba, mbira, singing and dance.

Our workshops

In addition to our regular performances, we also lead regular African music workshops covering southern African drumming, marimba, mbira, song and dance. We teach regularly at schools, community events, festivals, corporate days and more, with notable appearances at festivals such as WOMAD and Tropical Pressure.

Band leader, Otto Gumaelius, is a highly experienced marimba and mbira teacher and performer from Botswana, with a deep passion for traditional southern African music. Known for his patient teaching style, Otto has spent years sharing the rich musical heritage of southern Africa with audiences and students across Europe. His workshops and classes blend cultural storytelling with hands-on musical exploration, making him a sought-after educator, facilitator and performer in schools, festivals, and community arts programs.

Group of people gathered outdoors on a grassy field, some sitting in chairs, others standing, with drummers playing in a circle, surrounded by tents, caravans, and trees under a cloudy sky.

Band percussionist, Tomson Chauke, is a passionate drummer and percussionist with a gift for connecting people through rhythm. Originating from Zimbabwe, he has many years of experience delivering and facilitating vibrant drumming circles across England. Tomson creates welcoming spaces for beginners and anyone eager to explore the world of drumming. He also works closely with young people with autism, using music and art as powerful tools for self-expression and connection. Whether it's a community workshop, team bonding, or a one-on-one session, Tomson brings energy, empathy, and expertise to every beat.

Group of people, including children and adults, sitting in a circle on the grass, playing drums, and raising their hands, enjoying a drum circle outdoors near a body of water.

Live Performances

Our Africa Alive! show presents a wonderful collection of folk songs from southern Africa - sharing with our audiences a taste of ancient rhythms, sounds and stories from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana, using the marimba and mbira, accompanied by singing, drumming and dancing.

The concert can tie in participatory activities or general audience involvement, giving listeners a more in-depth and memorable cultural learning experience.

Black History Month

The month of October in the United Kingdom is dedicated to celebrating all the great things that people of African descent have contributed to the world. One great way of celebrating Black History Month is through a live music performance with Otto And The Mutapa Calling.

Our African marimba workshops and performances give a meaningful insight into southern African history through music and rhythm, and they're particularly relevant for schools and community programmes, as well as private events and corporate functions. We offer marimba, mbira, song and dance.