Kra KoTo Kra was founded in 2018, as a West African style drumming ensemble, offering performances, classes and workshops in New Zealand.
Since then, the group has added West African dance classes, as well as drum and dance weekend camps to its offerings
Upcoming Things
-
Rhythms & Harmonies of Africa '25
We are just about a month away! Rhythms & Harmonies of Africa '25 in Eltham is not too far away, and our excitement is building.
If you have not yet signed up, get on it, and come join us for a weekend of singing, marimba, mbira, dancing, drumming, and even some n'goni sessions.
Fully catered, with various options for accommodation, & options for child-care.
Weekend or day passes available, come along and find out why we get consistently stellar feedback for our weekend retreats.
Here is a link to the FB event: https://fb.me/e/4SUJHqFQL
Here is a link to register: https://forms.gle/u5hwzSN2GymkUNeY8
We look forward to another uplifting weekend full of music, dance, great food and the best vibes!
-
Epizo Bangoura in Hamilton
We continue our tradition of guest teachers opening each term of drumming in Hamilton, and this term we are in for a super treat.
We welcome master griot Epizo Bangoura! A virtuoso multi-instrumentalist and dancer, Epizo also has world class teaching skills, evidenced by his demand around the world. Based in Australia, we are lucky to have him visiting us in Hamilton to share his knowledge and culture.
Come along to the Glenview Community Centre on Wednesday evening, the 29th of October, for an amazing evening led by the master himself.
Get in touch to register! See you there.
-
Koffie Fugah in Te Toro
It's been a long wait, but at long last, Koffie Fugah will be visiting us again. We are very excited to announce 3 drum & dance workshops at the end of November by the man responsible for planting and nurturing seeds of West African drumming all around Aotearoa.
Join us in Te Toro on the Awhitu Peninsula on Saturday the 29th of September from 10am.
If you haven't yet, come experience the true uplifting power of music & dance, the way only Koffie can share it! Be part of the magic... See you there folks!
*Get in touch for more information & to register
-
Koffie Fugah in Hamilton
It's been a long wait, but at long last, Koffie Fugah will be visiting us again. We are very excited to announce 3 drum & dance workshops at the end of November by the man responsible for planting and nurturing seeds of West African drumming all around Aotearoa.
Join us in Hamilton on Saturday the 29th of September from 5pm.
If you haven't yet, come experience the true uplifting power of music & dance, the way only Koffie can share it! Be part of the magic... See you there folks!
*Get in touch for more information & to register
-
Koffie Fugah in Auckland
It's been a long wait, but at long last, Koffie Fugah will be visiting us again. We are very excited to announce 3 drum & dance workshops at the end of November by the man responsible for planting and nurturing seeds of West African drumming all around Aotearoa.
Join us in Auckland on Sunday the 30th of September from 10am. Koffie will also be joining us for our performance at our Cornwall Park gig from 1pm on the same day (straight after this workshop).
If you haven't yet, come experience the true uplifting power of music & dance, the way only Koffie can share it! Be part of the magic... See you there folks!
*Get in touch for more information & to register
-
1-1 lessons with Sid
I've gotten myself, my space and my gear to a point where I want to start offering 1-1 lessons. I've had a couple of private students in the past, and following somebody's drumming journey so closely is a great buzz for me.
I'm confident I can help people from a variety of experience levels to improve, and we can set out to improve specific aspects of playing or understanding of the rhythms.
Whether it's a one-off, or you'd like a series of lessons, please get in touch if you're interested!
Rhythms & Harmonies of Africa ‘25
We are back at Eltham this year, from the 10th to the 12th of October! Our weekend offers sessions in singing, drumming, dancing, marimba and mbira. Beginners are welcome and instruments are provided.
All meals are catered at this weekend retreat (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners) and childcare and youth tickets are available.
Fill in our form to register (the link is under "Tickets") or email us at krakotokra@gmail.com for more information.
We are also looking for volunteers! Send us a message if you are interested and we can discuss a discounted rate in exchange for your assistance throughout the camp.
Come along and enjoy the rhythms & harmonies of Africa with Julian, Laura, Mon and Sid.
Full tickets (includes accommodation until Monday 13th October and food from Friday dinner to Sunday lunch) - $385/$350 concession (senior and unwaged).
Day tickets - $160/$130 concession (add Saturday dinner for $25)
Child tickets (- 12 and under - childcare during class times, accommodation and food included) - $120 (Extra child with this ticket - $30)
Youth tickets ( - under 16 - food, accommodation, classes) - $200
Drumming classes in Hamilton
6.30pm - 8.00pm Wednesdays
Pilates Centre
131 Anglesea Street, Hamilton
Sid’s West African Style drumming class, open to everybody, from “never touched a drum before” absolute beginners, to performance hardened players.
We learn, drill and practice traditional Djembe technique and play West African rhythms.
In addition to the Djembe, technique and parts for other instruments found in a West African style drumming ensemble such as Dunduns, bells and shakers will be taught.
Drumming classes in Te Toro
(Awhitu Peninsula)
6.30pm - 8.00pm Tuesdays
Te Toro Hall
173 Te Toro Road
Sid’s West African Style drumming class, open to everybody, from “never touched a drum before” absolute beginners, to performance hardened players.
We learn, drill and practice traditional Djembe technique and play West African rhythms.
In addition to the Djembe, technique and parts for other instruments found in a West African style drumming ensemble such as Dunduns, bells and shakers will be taught.