Find the Path
to Personal
Empowerment
Immerse yourself in the transformative power of African music with King Marong and the Safara Music School. Experience community, ignite your soul, and uncover personal growth in an energising musical journey.
Get ready to engage, learn and express.
Find the Path
to Personal
Empowerment
Immerse yourself in the transformative power of African music with King Marong and the Safara Music School. Experience community, ignite your soul, and uncover personal growth in an energising musical journey.
Get ready to engage, learn and express.
Corporate
& Community
Unity in Rhythm!
Our corporate and community workshops are designed to build stronger teams and foster a deep sense of community through the unifying power of rhythm. King Marong’s expertise has been showcased at prestigious international events, including the World Music Expo (WOMEX), Womadelaide, and the Bluesfest Byron Bay. His workshops inspire collaboration and cultural appreciation, making them perfect for organisations seeking to enhance teamwork and community engagement on a global scale.
Reach out to discuss how we can cater to your organisation’s needs.
Disability Workshops
King Marong is committed to inclusivity and empowerment, offering specialised workshops tailored for people with disabilities. Drawing from his extensive experience in community engagement and cultural education, King creates an environment where rhythm and music become accessible tools for expression and connection.
His dedication to this work has been recognised with awards from the Northern Territory Government and Alice Springs Council for his outstanding contributions to the disability sector.
Through these workshops, participants are encouraged to explore their potential, build confidence, and connect with others in a supportive and enriching setting.
culture
connection
expression
development
community
Workshops for Young People
As a cultural ambassador for Senegambia, King Marong founded Safara Music School in Melbourne, offering hand percussion workshops for young people. Renowned for enhancing cultural awareness through music, King’s workshops cater to all ages and abilities, immersing participants in West African rhythms.
These sessions blend visual, aural, and kinaesthetic learning styles to develop rhythm, tone, and technique in every student.
School
Workshops
A Cultural Education Program for Pre, Primary & Secondary Schools
Immerse your students in the vibrant world of African culture with our acclaimed school workshop program. Catering to primary and secondary students, these workshops blend rhythm, dance, and storytelling, fostering cultural understanding and team-building.
For over 15 years, King Marong has introduced children across Europe, the UK, Canada, and Australia to African drumming and culture. Whether as a single session or an artist residency, these workshops can culminate in a performance, offering an enriching and unforgettable educational experience.
We have been operating for quite a few years and it was by far one of the best programs we have participated in. King was fantastic with the children, they were so happy to participate and absolutely loved the activities!
Maryanne, our director made the comment this morning that she would happily book for next Holiday Program! We try each set of holidays to have a different set of activities, however when you find something as great as the Jungle Jammin program you feel confident that the children won’t mind repeating the activity!
Thanks to King 🙂
Louise
Program Outline
School Incursion
King Marong’s workshops provide all students with the opportunity to participate in group tuition in an atmosphere of discovery and challenge.
With emphasis on the body/ kinaesthetic and musical / rhythmic intelligences, and combining the different learning styles King believes “that anyone with two hands can pick up drumming techniques.”
As an experienced instructor King Marong skilfully blends demonstration with expectation to develop rhythm and technique in all students. Each workshop is designed to not only focus on musical learning but also to engage participants in cultural exchange and promote teamwork and communication, promoting participation and building confidence, while taking participants on a cultural voyage.
Students are asked to actively engage through a series of fun activities including drumming, dance and movement, body percussion, introduction to instrumentation and cultural ceremony, storytelling and a question and answer session.
Children’s Workshops
& Parties
African Party Entertainment
with King Marong
Transform your child’s next party into an unforgettable cultural experience with King Marong’s engaging and interactive African-themed workshops.
King takes young guests on a musical journey filled with vibrant activities such as African drumming, dance, chanting, storytelling, face painting, and instrument making.
Each party is designed to be not only fun and entertaining but also educational, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of African culture.
Whether for birthdays or special events, King Marong tailors the experience to meet your specific needs and budget, ensuring a memorable celebration for your child and their friends.
African Dance Workshops
Experience the vibrant energy of West African dance in King Marong’s African Dance Workshops. Guided by King and his talented team, participants are introduced to the dynamic rhythms and traditional dance movements of Senegambia.
These workshops are designed for all skill levels, offering an engaging blend of physical activity, cultural education, and rhythmic exploration.
Whether you’re looking to boost your fitness, connect with African culture, or simply enjoy a fun and energetic group activity, these workshops provide an unforgettable experience. Perfect for schools, community groups, and corporate team-building events.
Drum Making Workshops
Join King Marong’s drum-making workshops and craft your own hand-made drum under expert guidance. Choose from hand-carved wooden shells from The Gambia and Guinea, or bring your own.
King will lead you step by step through the drum-making and skinning process. A delicious Gambian lunch is included in our group workshops at no extra cost.
Prices start from $300, covering all materials and instruction. We also offer children’s string instrument and small drum-making workshops, perfect for school incursions, kids’ parties, or childcare activities. Instrument repair services are available as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about our workshops, classes, or programs?
Check out our FAQ section below for answers to your most common questions.
Who is King Marong and what experience does he have?
King Marong is a cultural ambassador for Senegambia with a passion for African music and education. With years of experience as an artist in residence at numerous pre, primary, and tertiary institutions in Australia and abroad, he has a reputation for versatility and sensitivity. His teaching approach is inclusive, believing that anyone with two hands can pick up drumming techniques.
I'm new to drumming. Can I still participate in the workshops?
Absolutely! Our workshops and classes cater to all levels of proficiency, from beginners to more advanced drummers. The emphasis is on learning while having fun in a supportive, engaging environment.
What kind of activities are included in the Children's Workshops & Parties?
Our children’s workshops and parties offer a variety of activities that are both entertaining and educational. These include African drumming, African dance, chanting, storytelling, face painting, and instrument making. It’s an interactive and engaging way to celebrate a child’s party or to incorporate into a school activity.
What can I expect to learn from the Drumming Courses?
Our drumming courses offer comprehensive instruction on African percussion. Under King Marong’s expert guidance, you’ll learn everything from basic drumming techniques to complex rhythmic patterns. In addition, you’ll get to understand various African percussion styles including djembe, doun doun, boucarabou, sabar, sewerba, and afro-cuban.
Can I really make my own drum in the Drum Making Workshops?
Yes, you can! Our drum making workshops guide you through the entire process of crafting your own drum. You can either choose from a selection of hand-carved wooden drum shells or bring along your own. King Marong will provide step-by-step instructions, ensuring that by the end of the workshop, you’ll have your own hand-crafted drum.
Ready to begin your journey?
Found a course, workshop, or party plan that interests you?
Fill in our booking form to start your rhythmic journey with us.
If you have any questions or need assistance with booking, don’t hesitate to reach out.
