ABOUT US
Santa Yalla Arts is a drum and dance organisation specialising in West African percussion and traditional dance. Based in Manchester our objectives are to provide educational programmes, workshops, classes, corporate training, youth community projects and performance in West African Dance and Music.
SYA works with artists who value and promote music and dance in its true cultural context. We use professional facilitators who are talented, experienced and motivated by West African Drum and Dance. Our teachers are dedicated and successful, actively teaching and delivering workshops worldwide.
JOKEH is the founder member, Artistic Director and principal dance teacher of Santa Yalla Arts, since her arrival to Manchester in 2003. Originally from The Gambia, Jokeh is a dance artist, teacher, choreographer and performer, who is internationally recognised for her knowledge and inspirational techniques of West African Dance.
Jokeh's ability and confidence of teaching traditional dance forms has inspired many students to continue learning and return to her classes annually. Her energetic and vibrant workshops are available to all levels and encourage students to understand all aspects of traditional dance.
Paul Bradbury is also a founder member of SYA and djembe and doun-doun percussion facilitator. Since visiting The Gambia regularly during 1997-2003, Paul experienced compound life from the soul in Latrikunda German, Serrekunda, living amongst artists, playing music and making drums. It was here that he developed a strong passion for West African music, especially that of traditional Guinea and Senegal.
Paul studied djembe with the Guinean master djembe teacher 'Thomas Camara' in The Gambia and has continued playing West African rhythms for more than a decade. Extensive training and study of diverse djembe techniques with its musical tones has been a great inspiration to Paul, who is now teaching djembe drumming and douns to beginners and intermediates on a regular basis.
Santa Yalla Arts allow people of all ages, culture and ability to experience traditional drumming and dance.
Our instruments are professionally made and can be supplied to schools and companies throughout the UK.
Come and learn the skills and techniques of authentic dance and drumming from West Africa.