Djembe Immersion Trip in Guinea — January 2027
From January 9 to 23, 2027, spend two transformative weeks training in Guinea with master percussionists Dartagnan Camara and Weedie Braimah.
Djembe, dunduns, dance and krin: this journey is for you if you are ready to go beyond technique, deepen your understanding of the rhythms and learn alongside the people who live and carry these traditions.
Two weeks — $2,600 CAD
Optional third week — $3,800 CAD total
International airfare is not included. All taxes are included.
You can learn rhythms. Or you can meet them at the source.
You can practise the phrases you learn in class and keep progressing week after week. But there comes a moment when you sense that something is missing:
- the connection between the djembe, dunduns, song and dance;
- the nuances no written notation can convey;
- the way a rhythm breathes when it is played with others;
- the human and cultural context that gives the music its meaning.
This journey invites you to take that next step.
For two weeks, you will learn, practise and share the music within its living context. You will return with stronger technique — but more importantly, with a deeper understanding of what you play.
What makes this journey so special
This is more than a djembe workshop.
It is a complete immersion in Guinea’s music, people, daily life and rhythmic traditions — alongside those who live them and pass them on.
Through the classes, meals, travel and moments shared together, you will discover the country through the people who welcome you. This closeness will invite you to listen differently, understand the music within its context and open yourself to ways of life and realities beyond your own.
You will also experience this journey as part of a community of participants, master musicians and guides. Playing, eating, travelling, laughing and navigating the small challenges of daily life together creates bonds that an ordinary class simply cannot offer.
You will return home with:
- stronger technique and greater confidence in your playing;
- teachings you can continue exploring for years to come;
- a deeper understanding of the relationship between the djembe, dunduns and dance;
- a new way of listening to and feeling the rhythms;
- a renewed joy in playing, nourished by connection and inspiration;
- meaningful relationships with people who share your passion.
What makes this experience transformative is not only what you will learn. It is everything you will live around the music — and what will continue to resonate within you long after you return home.
Meet the people who will guide your journey
Dartagnan Camara
Born in Guinea, Alhassane “Dartagnan” Camara began studying percussion at the age of eight. His talent and remarkable sense of rhythm were recognized early, and he went on to perform as a solo percussionist with Circus Baobab for ten years, touring throughout Africa, Europe, the Americas and Asia. He later collaborated with many artists and ensembles, including Ba Cissoko, and founded his own group, Africa Mandingue.
For more than 20 years, Dartagnan has trained percussionists of all levels. His intuitive teaching, strong group leadership and approach — both demanding and accessible — help students progress while developing a more embodied understanding of the rhythms. As the lead master and on-site organizer, Dartagnan and his team will accompany the group throughout the journey. This will be his fourth international workshop in collaboration with Éric Lafontaine.
Weedie Braimah
A five-time Grammy-nominated artist, master djembefola, composer, producer, folklorist and professor, Weedie Braimah builds bridges between African musical traditions, jazz and the music of the African diaspora. Born in Ghana, raised in East St. Louis and deeply connected to New Orleans, he comes from a musical family and carries both West African and African American lineages.
Rooted in Manding traditions, Weedie approaches the djembe as a complete musical voice — an instrument capable of leading an ensemble, creating dialogue, telling stories and transforming a composition. The founder of Weedie Braimah & The Hands of Time, he has collaborated with internationally renowned artists including Wynton Marsalis, Youssou N’Dour, Oumou Sangaré and Cécile McLorin Salvant.
As an associate professor at Oberlin College and Conservatory and a guest professor at Berklee, he places cultural transmission and preservation at the heart of his work. His presence offers a rare opportunity to learn from an artist who is deeply grounded in tradition while helping shape its future.
Éric Lafontaine
A passionate percussionist with more than 20 years of experience, Éric Lafontaine specializes in djembe and dunduns played in the traditional ensemble style. A devoted student and performer of Manding music, he has deepened his practice with respected masters and musicians including Dartagnan Camara, Famoudou Konaté and Michel Séguin Sr.
In addition to performing with the group Libertam, Éric founded and led the Manding ensemble Jamfola for more than 15 years. He has facilitated countless percussion workshops for children, adults and seniors, always with warmth and an inclusive spirit.
Éric holds a master’s degree in education and has developed a joyful teaching style that adapts to each student’s level. Known for his generosity, infectious laugh and deep respect for the djembe, he is the founder, lead teacher and heart of Tam-Tam Mania — a school, shop and workshop all in one. Éric will be your main point of contact before departure and your guide throughout the journey.
Your rhythm-filled adventure includes:
Up to six hours of instruction per day are planned. Participation is flexible: you can take part in each workshop according to your energy, abilities and goals.
You will have the opportunity to explore:
- djembe;
- dunduns;
- dundun dance;
- krin;
- calls, accompaniments and arrangements;
- introduction and break sequences, solo phrases
- the relationship between percussion and dance.
Two groups will allow everyone to learn at a pace that is both challenging and realistic:
- beginner to intermediate;
- intermediate to advanced.
The instruments needed for the classes are provided on site. Dance is optional, and no particular level of physical fitness is required.
A typical day in Conakry
The first week takes place in the Kaporo Marché neighbourhood of Conakry. From Monday to Friday, a typical day may look like this:
- 8:00 a.m. — Breakfast: fresh baguette, eggs, fruit and coffee
- 9:00 a.m. — First djembe class
- 10:45 a.m. — Dunduns and dance
- 12:00 p.m. — Guinean and international lunch
- 1:30 p.m. — Second djembe class
- 3:00 p.m. — Dunduns, krin or group workshop
- 5:00 p.m. — Rest, swimming or a walk
- 7:00 p.m. — Guinean and international dinner
- 8:00 p.m. — Open practice, a performance, a dundunba ceremony or time to rest
Saturday may include a trip to the beach, the main market or a performance. On Sunday, the group will travel to Boké and settle in for the second week.
This schedule is provided as an example. The program may change depending on the teachers, local activities, travel and the needs of the group.
Up to three weeks — three ways to experience Guinea
Week 1 — Conakry
Settle into Kaporo Marché, begin intensive training, find your bearings and discover the musical life of the capital through classes and outings.
Week 2 — Boké
The group will stay in Boké, near a river where swimming is possible. The classes will continue in this new setting, with time to discover the region and share in the life of the group.
Optional Week 3 — Return to Conakry
For those who wish to extend the experience, a third week is available in Conakry. Training will continue in the same format as the first week, along with additional visits and performances.
The exact return date for the three-week option will be confirmed before you purchase your flight.
What is included:
- Up to six hours of instruction per day, Monday through Friday, with weekends free
- Instruction from several master musicians
- Two skill-level groups
- Instruments provided during classes
- Three meals per day, featuring Guinean and international cuisine
- Double-occupancy room with a private bathroom
- Accommodation in Conakry and Boké
- Airport welcome and round-trip transfers
- Minibus or taxi transportation for organized travel
- Round-trip transportation for the main excursions
- Free performances and selected ceremonies
- One large bottle of filtered water per day
- Support before departure and throughout the journey
Optional upgrades
- Private room
- Air-conditioned room
- Third week: $3,800 CAD total
What is not included
- Round-trip airfare
- Passport and visa
- Travel-health consultation, recommended vaccinations and medication
- Travel, medical and evacuation insurance
- Optional activities and paid admission fees
- Personal expenses and additional water
*A complete preparation guide will be provided to participants before departure.
Supported before departure and throughout your stay
Travelling to Guinea for the first time naturally brings questions. Éric Lafontaine will be your main point of contact, helping you prepare and accompanying you throughout the journey. He has travelled to Guinea five times with groups and has also accompanied workshops and trips in Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba and Florida. A close collaborator of the master musicians, he knows the area well and speaks French, English and Spanish.
During the journey, Éric will answer questions, accompany the group during travel and remain available by phone day and night. Dartagnan Camara and his team will also be present on site. Organized transportation will be provided by minibus or taxi.
In the event of illness or an emergency, the team will accompany the participant to the appropriate local resources. Medical and evacuation insurance is strongly recommended and remains each participant’s responsibility.
Is this the right journey for you?
This experience may be right for you if:
- West African percussion already holds an important place in your life;
- you want to understand the rhythms beyond the phrases you have learned;
- you want to study directly with recognized masters;
- you are open to an experience that is simpler and less predictable than a conventional vacation;
- you are ready to participate with curiosity, flexibility and respect.
You are welcome to come on your own. Many people join this type of journey without knowing the other participants. No particular level of physical fitness is required, dance is optional and everyone can participate in the workshops according to their abilities.
This journey is probably not for you if you are looking for a resort package, a perfectly rigid schedule or an experience focused only on sightseeing.
Dates, pricing and registration
Two weeks
January 9 to 23, 2027 — $2,600 CAD
Three weeks
One additional week — $3,800 CAD total
Exact return date to be confirmed.
All taxes are included. Airfare is not included.
The trip is confirmed and the group is limited to 25 participants
The minimum number of registrations has already been reached: the trip is going ahead. Places are now assigned in the order that initial deposits are received. Registration will close as soon as the group is full.
Payment schedule
For the two-week stay:
- First deposit: 25%, or $650 CAD, to reserve your place
- Second payment: 25%, or $650 CAD, due by November 1, 2026
- Remaining balance: 50%, or $1,300 CAD, payable upon arrival in Guinea
Payments are made in cash. Payments received are refundable until November 1, 2026, but cannot be transferred to another person. After that date, payments become non-refundable. If Dartagnan Camara must cancel the journey, all payments received will be refunded.
You may purchase your airfare once your registration and place have been confirmed.
How to reserve your place
- Contact us by email
- Schedule a call with Éric to ask your questions and make sure the journey is a good fit for you.
- Confirm your participation by making the first deposit.
Rhythm is where the journey begins. Connection is what you will bring home.
From January 9 to 23, 2027, Tam-Tam Mania invites you to experience intensive training in Guinea with Dartagnan Camara, Weedie Braimah and other master percussionists.
The trip is already confirmed. The group will welcome a maximum of 25 participants, and places will be assigned in the order deposits are received.
If this experience is calling you, contact Éric to receive the details, ask your questions and reserve your place.
