Mala Majo Tour 2023

African Drum and Dance Study tour Ghana, West Africa

Mala Majo Tour

African Drum & Dance Study Tour September 10th – 30th 2023.

An epic cultural development tour that will change your life! Join our one – three week African drum and dance cultural study program with master renowned drummers, dancers, percussionists and music teachers from Ghana, West Africa led by renowned percussionist Fred Nii Addo.

What to expect

Cultural Immersion

An epic cultural development tour that will change your life.

Special invitation to students from all the over the world to come and join our three-week African drum and dance cultural study program with master renowned drummers, dancers, percussionists and music teachers from Ghana, West Africa.

With daily dance and drum sessions, students will be guided through learning dances that accompany the rhythms taught by the drummers. The dances originate from many Ghanaian ethnic groups, with the blend of ancient and contemporary grooves that are part of everyday ceremony and customs across Ghana`s coastal, mountain and northern Region.

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One Spirit Africa

Unforgettable Experience

The traditional African drumming led our master drummers from Ghana. Through this unique and fun learning experience, participants will be taught a range of traditional rhythms specific to many Ghanaian ethnic groups, and rhythms of neighbouring countries in West Africa played on djembe, dundun and kpalogo drums. Students will have the opportunity to engage with local living such as cooking, sharing traditional cuisine, experience local markets and public transport (Trotro), and have local garments tailored, as well as travel to Ghana`s most beautiful and fascinating locations, including beaches, historic sites, waterfalls and national parks.

Study Program

The One Spirit Africa Study Tour is an epic cultural development tour focused on West African drumming, dance and music. Tour participants will study traditional African drumming, dance, rhythms, language, and culture 5 hours daily, all while enjoying the beautiful Ghanaian coastline; it is the perfect way to gain valuable personal, academic, and professional skills abroad.

The program is centred in Nungua, a village on the outskirts of Ghana’s capital and is open to all who wish to join, with one to two week options being available if unable to commit to the full three week course. Dances and drumming taught range from traditional rhythms specific to many Ghanaian ethnic groups and rhythms of neighbouring countries in West Africa, played on both djembe, dundun and kpalogo drums.

We offer extra drumming and dance lessons along with tuition in Dunun, Balafon, Kora, Mbira, Talking Drum, Flute and more.  The hourly rate we charge on tour is $30 AUD per person.

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African Dance & Music

Unleash the dancer in you! With our exciting African dance course twice daily, you’ll learn traditional West African dance from our professional dance teachers. You’ll study a range of dances accompanied by traditional rhythms specific to many Ghanaian ethnic groups and rhythms of neighbouring countries in West Africa. Students will work on improving form, endurance, and repertoire. Every dance move will be broken down step by step, taking the time to master the postures and techniques for each rhythm.

Teachers & Tour Guide

Students will study with the best artists and most experienced teachers in the region. Fredrick Kpakpo Addo is a well-known Ghanaian master dancer, drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and choreographer based in Victoria, Australia, who has over 25 years’ experience in performance and has toured Sweden, Israel, New Zealand, USA, and many African countries.

Fred is also the founder of One Spirit Africa. A musical band that performs with high energy, colourful costumes and offers good vibes at festivals, school workshops, corporate events, dance workshops and community events under the guidance of Multicultural Arts Victoria and Universal Peace Federation Ambassador Fredrick Kpakpo Addo, aim is to promote peace and unity through music.

Tour Information

With the flexibility of our tour schedule, students can choose how long they wish to go for. You can join the tour for one or two weeks if you are unable to commit to the full three weeks.

Tour Date

10th - 30th September 2023

Tour Package

Accommodation, breakfast and dinner, excursions and tuition.
Instruments will be provided to all students or purchase your drum which you are entitled to take back home with you.

What is included in tour rate:

  • Airport Pick up and drop off
  • Accommodation
  • 3 freshly cooked meals daily
  • Group tuition
  • Sightseeing within Accra
  • Entertainment
  • Ground transportation to workshop grounds.

 

Tour rate does Not include:

  • Airfares, Visas, Insurance, Drums
    Weekend sightseeing outside of Accra
  • WiFi/Internet Service Calling minutes
    and or Wi Fi modem can be purchased
    cheaply from local vendor.
Price (per person)

$2,800.00 for three weeks.

$2,000.00 for two weeks.

$1,200.00 for one week.

Deposit of $200 required to secure your booking. 

Early bird special:

Bookings made by July 20th, 2023 get $100 off for our 2-3 weeks course. To confirm early bird discount, a $700 deposit is required and must be paid by July 24, 2023. Full payment of tour fee is due by August 28th, 2023.



Cancellation Policy

All payments are subject to the conditions of our refund policy once the payment is received. Cancellation within 90
days before start date, 75% of tour fee paid is refundable. Cancellations within 45 days before program start date, 50% of tour fee paid is refundable. All cancellations with 30 days before program start date tour fee paid or deposit paid is non refundable.

 

Getting to Africa

VISA’S

All students and participants are required to obtain a visa from the nearest Ghanaian Representation (Embassy, Consulate or High Commission) in their country. We provide “letter of invitation” to include when applying for your visa.

Find below Ghanaian Consulates/Embassies and their websites

Australia
www.ghanahighcom.org.au

USA
www.ghanaembassy.org

UK
www.ghanahighcommissionuk.com

Canada
www.ghc.ca.com

Other
General Countries website www.embassyworld.com

AIRFARES
All students and tour participants are responsible for booking and paying for their own airfare Air fares range from 1200 2500 USD, depending on where you depart and who you book with

You can book your flight from the following websites
www.allcheapfares.com
www.kayak.com
www.tripadvisor.com
www.vayama.com
www.lonelyplanet com/flights

Private Classes

(Optional): Students can take private lessons of any traditional instrument they want to learn and all private drum and dance classes in addition to the group tuition at their own expense.

Custom Group Tour Information

Our custom group tour offers the option for group travel any time of the year for those looking to put together their own group trip. The program alternately is ideal for school groups, educators and or corporate groups and we create a tailored experience for their specific group. Study traditional African drumming, dance, music and enjoy fun weekend sightseeing opportunities with your group. We offer discounted group rates, for a group of 10 or more.  We can accommodate any group size and will design and facilitate a program exclusively for your group.

Tour Package

Accommodation, breakfast and dinner, excursions and tuition.
Instruments will be provided to all students or purchase your drum which you are entitled to take back home with you.

What is included in tour rate:

  • Airport Pick up and drop off
  • Accommodation
  • 3 freshly cooked meals daily
  • Group tuition
  • Sightseeing within Accra
  • Entertainment
  • Ground transportation to workshop grounds.

 

Tour rate does Not include:

  • Airfares, Visas, Insurance, Drums
    Weekend sightseeing outside of Accra
  • WiFi/Internet Service Calling minutes
    and or Wi Fi modem can be purchased
    cheaply from local vendor.
Price (per person)

$2,300.00 for three weeks.

$1,600.00 for two weeks.

$900.00 for one week.

Deposit of $500 required to secure your booking. 

The remaining balance should be paid within 30 days of tour start date. Deposit paid are deducted from tour fee. It is not an additional charge. Incase of any date changes and or cancellations, we can reschedule tour at a small fee. You can speak with our tour director about fees and making changes to tour dates.

Tour dates are flexible and open year round.

Accommodation

Safety is our number one priority while on tour. We provide a hospitable lodge for our students on the tour. Students will be situated in a Guest House that is situated in Katamanso, Accra, in Ghana’s capital. Rooms are single or shared with other students and will have your own toilet and shower. All bed linen will be supplied but students will need to bring towels.

The rooms will be serviced, and arrangements can be made for laundry etc. There are Atlantic Ocean views and we’re just a short walk to the sandy coastline. More than just a place to rest your head, the Lodge also serves as a cultural centre for travellers.

Meals on Tour

Our hospitable host family will welcome you, share their culture and cook for you their traditional and delicious food. Students will be served freshly cooked delicious Ghanaian meals (breakfast and dinner) will be provided daily, with a healthy mix of fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and bread. You will enjoy delicious meals like rice and chicken, vegetable’s stew and yam and some Ghanaian cuisine like fufu and soup, banku and okra stew. Vegetarian options and fresh fruits are regularly available. Our host family is happy to accommodate for any dietary requirements. If you’ve any dietary requirements just let us know and will be happy to accommodate and make you feel at home and happy while having an amazing tour experience.

Entertainment & Fun

Entertainment is a big part of what brings culture, music, and diversity alive in Ghana. We offer a variety of fun entertainment package while on tour. Explore local arts, reggae music nights and traditional festivals to have a unique cultural experience.

Immerse yourself into the traditional knowledge of enstooling local chiefs to local musical festivals, and learning about the rituals performed, live band music, batik cloth dyeing and much more.

Below are some fun events you can enjoy while on tour.

  • Reggae music night
  • Local festivals
  • Kente /Batik weaving
  • Local market trips
  • Community involvement
  • Cooking lessons
  • Relaxing time at the beach

Frequently asked questions

What happens when I arrive at the airport in Ghana?

We’ll be there to pick you up. Once you have cleared customs, make your way to the outside area at Arrivals. A member of our team will have a board with your name and reference to One Spirit Africa Tour.

Where will I stay?

Our students on the tour will stay at our beach side Turtle Beach Guest House.

How can I stay in touch with family and friends?

Students on the tour can access local internet Café or personal modem to access and use Wi Fi to communicate with family and friends regularly. You can also purchase minutes for calling cheaply.

Can I use my Credit/Debit Card or check in Ghana?

ATM’s and banks in Ghana do accept foreign transactions. Ensure that your bank authorizes foreign transactions and ATM limits. Also let your bank know you’re travelling to Ghana and might use your credit card.

Do I need VACCINATION?

Students are required to obtain recommended vaccinations before their trip to Ghana.

The following vaccines might be recommended:

Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Malaria, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid Yellow Fever a certificate of yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into Ghana. For advice on other vaccinations, you can refer to the Centre for Disease Control traveller’s health recommendations wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

What type of Visa do I need?

We recommend applying for tourist visa which is valid for 90 days from the date issued. We’ll provide an invitation letter and contact reference to include with your visa application.

What sightseeing places in Ghana can I visit?

Ghana stands out as a preferred tourist destination in Africa with its rich and glorious history, art, and natural scenic beauty. You can visit Ghana’s coastal forts, poignant reminders of a page of history that defined our modern world. Our tour guide can arrange an amazing sightseeing adventure taking you on a tour to intimately show you life in Ghana, safely and comfortably.

How secure will my valuables be at the lodge?

Our beach side Turtle Beach Guest House is safe with onsite security and all rooms are locked. All your valuables will be safe.

Can I bring other friends and family with me?

Yes, you can bring non drumming friends and family. However, we charge same tour rate for anyone you bring with you on the tour.

Can I bring anything for donations that would be useful or valuable?

With our giving back to the community, we recommend educational items like books, kids flip flops and flash drives. Soccer balls and footballs are always popular. Stationary for the kids especially!

Tour Program Support and Safety

At One Spirit Africa we put the safety and welfare of all our students and tour participants as our top priority. We provide a 24/7 tour support program, emergency contact and care efficiently right from your arrival till the tour completion.

If you wish to travel, go out with a friend, or do anything outside of the tour program, talk to your program coordinator first and we will advise you on what to do and what not to. Your safety is always our priority.

Our tour program coordinator will be your point of contact upon arrival, we will ensure that you receive all the support, care and advice needed to make your tour experience memorial and life changing. Our program coordinator is flexible, super friendly, open minded and willing work with you on every level of your program to ensure your success and a great experience.

If you have any more questions, please contact us via the contact page.

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Mala Majo Music and Dance Festival

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