Mouminatou Camara
Dancer, Guinea (New York)
Mouminatou Camara founded Seewe African Dance Company in September 2005. For a decade, she was the principal dancer for the world-renowned dance company, Les Ballet Africans. She also performed 
with Les Ballet Djoliba and the Army Ballet. An instructor and performer of West African Dance and Drum, Mouminatou has performed and taught workshops extensively in the USA, Spain, France, Belgium, Germany, Martinique and the West African countries of Senegal, Mali and the Ivory Coast. Having spent her life in Guinea, Mouminatou has stated that she has been dancing since she was in her mother’s womb. Affectionately called “Moumi”, she brings firsthand knowledge of the history of each dance and imparts that knowledge with great clarity and passion to her students.
Mohamed Bangoura (“Bangouraké”)
Djembe Fola, Guinea
Mohamed Bangoura is described in Guinea as the man with “Hands of Fire” or “the Lion of Matam”
He is regarded by many connoisseurs as one of the best amongst the Master Drummers of this world. His life totally dedicated to the music and his traditions, mesmerizing audiences with his out of this world skills, talent, power and virtuosity.
Bangouraké is a true master through initiation and ability.
Mohamed was born in Guinea, West Africa in a village called Bourramya-Koubya. Mohamed started to play at the age of 5 years old and has been surrounded by music throughout his life.
Bassidi Koné
Djembe Fola & Balafonist, Mali
Bassidi Koné is of Bwa ethnicity from the Segou region in Mali. Born into a Griot family, Bassidi grew up beside his father’s instrument, the balafon (a traditional, wooden xylophone), instilling in him his forefathers’ traditional village songs and rhythms.
After moving to Bamako at thirteen, Bassidi extended his knowledge and skill, distinguishing himself through his innovative solo lead playing and technical virtuosity.
Bassidi now tours internationally and collaborates with many different ensembles. Read more about Bassidi.
Lam Lakiz
Dancer, Congo Brazzaville
Lam is a highly sought after teacher of many of the traditional styles of Congolese Dance.
He has more than 25 years of
cumulative experience in Soukous, Rumba, Ndombolo, Congolese Tribal Dance, Zouk, Kizomba, and Semba, amongst others. He was previously engaged as lead choreographer and dancer for the African
bands Vox Congo & Afro Bongo Dance.
Originally from the Congo – Brazzaville, Lam has been passionate about dance and music from the time he learned to walk. The diversity of his styling was influenced by growing up in two countries, initially Congo (the home he returns to), with a subsequent move to Mozambique.
Lam currently runs Matanga Fitness dance studio in Melbourne.
Kwame Tosuma
Dancer, Ghana
Having performed throughout Ghana, Mali, Benin and South Africa and now living in Australia, Kwame is emerging as one of Australia’s most 
talented in the traditional and afro-contemporary dance forms. Like many of Ghana’s top dancers, Kwame began practising his art on the street. Finding a passion for dance he was picked up and rigorously trained by the renowned Joe Mensah, and later joined the Namo Ale Cultural Troupe, where he learned the intricacies of traditional Ghanaian dance.
talented in the traditional and afro-contemporary dance forms. Like many of Ghana’s top dancers, Kwame began practising his art on the street. Finding a passion for dance he was picked up and rigorously trained by the renowned Joe Mensah, and later joined the Namo Ale Cultural Troupe, where he learned the intricacies of traditional Ghanaian dance.Jean-Marc Agbogba
Dancer, Ivory Coast
Jean-Marc Agbogba is a highly accomplished dancer, musician and choreographer from Ivory Coast, West Africa. He has toured the world as
part of the MOTHER AFRICA CIRCUS and came to Australia in 2010. Jean-Marc now resides in Adelaide where he has set up a new dance company by the name of “Sun of Africa Dance Group.”
Marc is renowned for his masked dancing, a very colourful and exciting, high-energy dance, using beautiful, authentic, Ivory Coast masks. These pieces are typically accompanied by a drum ensemble and sometimes African flute.
Miriam Lieberman, singer
This Sydney based singer songwriter is known not only for her unmistakable voice and songwriting, but for playing the 21 string West African harp, known as the kora. Miriam draws her influences from far and wide – having most notably spent long periods of time studying traditional music in West Africa where she studied with local musicians including celebrated kora player Toumani Diabate, and has now created her own unique style. Miriam will be teaching singing classes and performing in the evenings at Camp Samatou.
Michael Boase, drummer
A dedicated full time musician, Michael has been recording, teaching and performing since his teenage years. From early on, he took a keen interest in percussion ensembles with traditional African foundations and then complimented this by also playing drum set in melodic bands that play Soukous, Samba, Ska/Reggae and Funk.
Roderick McLeod, kora teacher
Roderick is a drummer/percussionist who discovered the Kora, (the African harp) six years ago. Since then Roderick has traveled to Senegal, Mali and Paris to immerse himself in the world of African culture, the mysterious beauty of Kora music and learning from such greats as Toumani Diabate, Kane Mathis and many others. Join Roderick for a fun and informative workshop as we learn some of the basics of playing the Kora, Koras provided, Limited to 6 people.
Shobhana Nambiar & Andy Fodor, Lindy Hop
Shob and Andy are award winning teachers and performers of dances from the jazz era: lindy hop, balboa and blues. They have taught for well over a decade around Australia and internationally. They love to share the rhythm and joy of jazz dancing to anyone from beginners to advanced.
Simon Lewis, drummer
Simon is highly regarded as a teacher of world percussion. He has lived and studied traditional djembe, dundun, balafon and kora in Guinea West Africa with Master drummers Lamine Soumah, Aliou Sylla and the world famous Les Percussions De Guinea. He is well known for his insightful and innovative teaching style which is both fun and challenging. With a background in classical and jazz his versatility and broad knowledge of music gives students a unique entry into the world of African drumming.
Mitzi McRae, dancer
Mitzi has studied West African dance for over 15 years and has travelled to Africa (Ghana, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Senegal, Gambia and Mali) and also to the United States to further her knowledge by learning from the masters. She is a natural teacher and over the 10 years of teaching African dance she has developed a unique style which provides a relaxed and open environment which is cherished by her students.
Briohny May, tribal style bellydance
Briohny May performs and teaches regularly around Melbourne in American Tribal Style® and fusion bellydance. She is the founder of ‘The Vivid Sisters’ American Tribal Style® (ATS®) and fusion troupe and ‘A Tribal Mantle’, contemporary fusion troupe. The Vivid Sisters perform regularly at CERES, community events and haflas, and about town with the Footscray Gypsy Orchestra. Briohny has been teaching ATS® since 2014 and is an accredited teacher and Sister Studio with the San Franciscan mothership of this dance style – FatChanceBellyDance (founded by Carolena Nericcio-Bohlman).
Meredith Buddington, Slow Flow Yoga
A lifelong lover of movement, Meredith comes from a background in theatre and dance, having left secondary teaching to study and teach yoga. She trained with the Australian Yoga Academy, and now specializes in Yoga for Women. Her Slow-Flow classes are for all-levels and abilities, and offer a chance to gain flexibility, build strength, and indulge in relaxation and stress-relief through mindful movement. With sprinklings of humour and a dash of yogic philosophy, you will feel lighter and brighter in body, mind and spirit.
Chiara Sacco, Hatha Somatic Yoga
Chiara explores what it means to be healthy and well, empowering students to move, enjoy and feel more confident in their bodies through both traditional Yoga and creative play, group collaboration, and focused attention to breath and sensation, boosted by awareness techniques.
Chiara draws on various disciplines such as Yoga, Creative Movement and Dance to create a fun, steady and generative practice for students to feed their uniqueness and creative expression.
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Location
Campaspe Downs Country Resort
Located on the outskirts of the Macedon Ranges, close to Kyneton and an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the site is set amid 160 acres of natural bushland.
1302 Trentham Rd, Kyneton VIC
DAILY WORKSHOPS
Each day will packed full of workshops – you’re welcome to attend whichever you like
- African dance All dance classes will be accompanied by a full drumming ensemble in the large hall. All of our artists are highly experienced teachers who are patient and friendly. They are there for you!
- Djembe classes Please bring your own djembe along to the class. If you are hiring one, this will be allocated when you arrive (see Mitzi or Simon). There is also some opportunity to play dundun in these classes but the focus will be on learning djembe accompaniments, technique and solo phrases.
- Dundun classes will teach sangban, kenkeni and dundunba parts for traditional West African rhythms.
- Dundun dance This is combining simple dance moves with playing dunduns (stick drums)
- Song Miriam Lieberman (Sydney) has a rich history of teaching and performing African and African-inspired music
- Soukous/Ndombolo Lam will be teaching this popular style of dance from the Congo. The word Soukous means ‘to shake’ and the dance movements are sexy and fun.
- Afrobeat dance Afrobeat music blends West African musical styles with jazz, soul, funk and electronic music. It’s all about having fun!
- Kora (21-string West African harp) Small group classes with Roderick McLeod. Bookings essential as we only have 6 instruments available for use.
- Brazil meets West Africa Facilitator Michael Boase will explore how Samba can be reinterpreted with West African instruments, Djembe and Duns, to create an exciting new sound.
- Lindy Hop is a partnered dance improvised to jazz music. It was created in the 1930s in Harlem, New York and has origins deeply rooted in African dance. Rhythmic, energetic and full of joy!
- American tribal-style bellydance combines folkloric steps from Eqypt and other North African countries. The workshop will include some fun variations and formations so you can immediately start improvising and having fun with it. If you play zills, bring em!
More to come!
For all drum classes you’ll need to bring your own djembe or hire one for $10 per day. For dundun and dundun dance classes, drums are provided on a first-in, first-served basis. If you have your own set of duns, please bring them!
Drummers are welcome to drum for dance classes.
FOOD
Delicious hot meals will be provided with a vegetarian/gluten-free option available. Sweets courtesy of Mitzi’s mum. Prepare for a feast!
Tea, coffee and fruit will be available during the day.
All participants will need to bring their own breakfast foods and Saturday lunch.
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EVENING ACTIVITIES
Every evening we will have entertainment in the main hall, program as yet to be confirmed.
Expect: Wassawumba drum & dance ensemble, performances by our guest artists, Lindy hop show, talent night and party with DJ Lam Lakiz.
ACCOMMODATION
Rooms sleep 4-8 with ensuite bathrooms. A sheet and mattress is provided. You will need to bring all other bedding, unless you would like to hire from the venue for $20.
You are also welcome to pitch a tent on a grassy area under the trees!
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Bedding (sleeping bag and pillow) unless hiring
Breakfast food, & lunch for Saturday
Drinks for evening party
Djembe
Dance pants!
Kyneton is 10min drive from the camp site.
KID’S CAMP
If you have a child between the ages of 4-12, they might like to come along to camp too! On the Saturday and Sunday we offer a fun program of activities during class hours so that parents can join in classes while children are also having a great time.
This program will provide care and a range of activities including art & craft, games, dance, drum and singing workshops during class hours. Children will need to be picked up for lunch and when workshops are finished for the day.
On the Monday and Tuesday, kids are welcome to play in the lounge area adjacent to the main hall (where most classes occur). There will be art/craft materials, games and books for entertainment but kids will NOT be actively supervised on these days.
MASSAGE
Claire will be available for remedial massage and myotherapy on site for all sore dancers & drummers!
You can pre-book to secure your spot or just book in at camp! She will be available Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
60 minutes $90 with private health rebate receipts available for you to claim with your health fund.
Claire runs her own business in Melbourne and can be contacted on 0478 535 412 or clairemyotherapy@gmail.com
What did people say about Camp Samatou 2018?
” thanks for your passion, commitment, community building, energy to die for, and amazing giving, smiling personalities!!!!! You are all wonderful! AHEKOO !”
“great friendly people and relaxed fun increased by certain wacky people”
“Love, love, love and still buzzing. Thank you
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“Thanks Mitzi, Simon and all other teachers, volunteers and organisers. I cherish this community and will give myself wholeheartedly to it
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“Loved it, as usual. It gets better every year!”
“Such a beautiful community of people. The organisers Mitzi and Simon are simply amazing people”
