Concerts & DJ sets

Drum Camp 2026 Evening Performances

A DOUBLE CELEBRATION

As he celebrates 30 years of professional performing and recording, Seckou Keita is thrilled to be returning to Drum Camp in 2026. Who better then to headline our festival as Drum Camp also reaches the same milestone year!

Widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost kora virtuosos, Seckou is a leading figure in contemporary African music. Born in southern Senegal, he has risen from a prodigiously gifted young musician to a globally recognised artist whose work continues to inspire audiences worldwide. His debut album Baiyo (later retitled Mali) in 2001 marked the arrival of a unique and groundbreaking talent, showcasing a style that continually expands the expressive possibilities of the kora.

Renowned for his versatility, Seckou has ventured far beyond traditional boundaries, embracing jazz, pop, Latin, folk, and classical influences. His collaborations include work with Damon Albarn, Catrin Finch, Omar Sosa, the BBC Concert Orchestra, and The Lost Words ensemble.

With 15 critically acclaimed albums, more than 60 million Spotify streams, and multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, Seckou Keita remains a magnetic presence on the international stage—an artist whose performances are as deeply rooted as they are fearlessly innovative.

KADENCIA

THURSDAY NIGHT 8pm

Kadência is a tight four-piece ensemble known for bringing the rich rhythmic landscape of Brazil to life through an exciting mix of traditional grooves and contemporary compositions.

Led by Hej Jones. Music Director of Fine City Samba, the group blends precision, energy, and deep musicality to create an authentic and uplifting sound. Over the weekend, Hej will also be leading beginner-level workshops, offering participants the chance to explore the basics of Samba instrumentation and technique.

Hej spent 6 years in Rio DJing and performing with several Blocos and Samba Schools including Monobloco, whom we presented at Drum Camp back in 2008. Lets get the party started!

DAVID YOUNGS

THURSDAY NIGHT 8.45pm

David Youngs is a multi-instrumentalist based in Cambridge, UK. In recent years he has focused intensely on the acoustic guitar, developing a percussive, finger-style approach to produce instrumental works often featuring unusual yet accessible time signatures and scales.

With a vast range of musical interests and techniques drawn from over three decades of self-taught musicianship, it’s hard to pigeonhole David’s music with great precision. David continues to captivate audiences everywhere with his unique style of guitar which “isn’t folk, jazz, classical or new age -it is just plain mesmerising.” (Taplas Magazine)”

ADDICTIVE TV

THURSDAY NIGHT 9.30pm

Ethno-sampling mavericks Addictive TV bring their global music project 'Orchestra of Samples' to Drum Camp.

The acclaimed live performance is a unique musical journey without borders, taking in Senegal, Kazakhstan, China, Colombia, India and many more, connecting cultures and bringing instruments together, from traditional and rare, to the newly invented.

Addictive TV filmed improvised recording sessions with hundreds of musicians around the world for over a decade, then ingeniously sampled and spliced them together to create new music of extraordinary fusions. Known for their pioneering use of audio/visual sampling, Addictive TV have created alternative trailers for a number of Hollywood studios and performed their innovative shows in over a staggering 50 countries.

Wight Feather & Fidanka

FRIDAY NIGHT 8pm

Fanita, along with dancers from cultural group Fidanka, bring a special performance of traditional Bulgarian dance to our stage on Friday evening.

Bulgarian folk dance performances are vibrant, rhythmic celebrations of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Dancers often wear traditional embroidered costumes whose colors and patterns reflect regional identities.

The dancers move in lines or circles, holding hands or belts, and performing synchronized steps that range from light and playful to fast and intricate.

Each dance tells a story of community, tradition, and connection to the land, making a Bulgarian folk performance not just a display of movement, but a vivid expression of national spirit.

ELITE 4

FRIDAY NIGHT 8.45pm

Elite 4 are made up of some of the best Bhangra artists you'll find anywhere! The group were founded by vocalist Balwinder Bhatti and Dhol player Gubzy, both established recording and touring artists.

UK Bhangra music emerged in the late 1970s and 1980s and British-Asian artists such as Apache Indian, Malkit Singh, Jazzy B and Johnny Kalsi have all helped bring the music form to more mainstream audiences. It is now hugely popular with audiences and fans across the world.

Bhangra is a highly danceable form of music, blending traditional Punjabi folk rhythms with Western genres like reggae, hip hop and electronic dance music.

Celebrating their identity and cultural pride, Elite 4 bring together the very best in UK based Bhangra music for your listening and dancing pleasure.

KAKATSITSI

FRIDAY NIGHT 9.45pm

Kakatsitsi are a group of master drummers, dancers and singers from the Ga tribe of Southern Ghana, with their roots in the fishing community of Jamestown.

Their music takes traditional rhythms and chants from their own Ga tradition and those of a variety of other West African cultures, rearranging them in a modern and accessible way.

Kakatsitsi have toured widely working with a variety of festivals, arts centres and education organisations. The recent addition of a strong dance element, to complement the already outstanding drumming and singing components, has established Kakatsitsi as a much acclaimed African traditional group, with leading Ga singers, drummers and dancers among their number.

OLEG FATEEV & SIMONE SOU

SATURDAY NIGHT 8pm

Oleg and Simone began their musical collaboration in 2008 during an international project led by Ethel String Quartet (New York), part of Festival Mundial and Podium Paradox in Tilburg, The Netherlands. Since 2010, the duo has performed their own instrumental music and songs worldwide.

Together, Oleg’s Bayan (Russian button accordion) and Simone’s Percuteria (drums & percussion) invite the listener into a poetical world of sounds, vocals and spoken word. The duo's compositions are a colorful blend of Brazilian rhythms and Eastern European melodies with a touch of Balkan rhythms, leading to a new way of making music.

SEKOUBA OULARE & IYA SAKO

SATURDAY NIGHT 9pm

Two exceptional djembefolas, Sekouba Oulare from the Sankaran region and Iya Sako from Samakofadda, in the Wassalon region of North East Guinea, are set to ignite the stage with the powerful rhythms of their homeland.

It will be as much an emotional experience as it is a musical one, drawing everyone present into its pulse.

Their deep cultural knowledge, lightning-fast technique, and dynamic interplay promise an immersive journey through the rich musical heritage of the Malinké people. Expect a hot night of percussion excellence as these two virtuosos unleash rhythms that uplift, electrify, and connect every listener to the vibrant spirit of the Djembe.

SECKOU KEITA

SATURDAY NIGHT 10pm

A year after Drum Camp began back in 1996, its founder Gary Newland teamed up with Malika and Chico Beraud to create Karamba Experience, a music holiday business based in Kafountine, Senegal. Among their first teachers were Modou Diouf and Seckou Keita. In 1999 Malika and Gary organised Seckou’s very first visa to the UK so he could teach at Drum Camp, a visit that helped shape the remarkable journey that followed. Seckou has appeared at Drum Camp many times over the years, though nowadays, it has become increasingly difficult to secure a place in his schedule. After a great deal of planning and dedication, we are thrilled to have him with us once again. Prepare for an unforgettable performance with one of the world’s greatest kora virtuosos.

MIDDLE EAST SHOWCASE

SUNDAY NIGHT 7.45pm

Our Anatolian and Middle Eastern workshops over the three days are all linked towards presenting a showcase of dance, song and music on Sunday evening. Participants of the workshops will be invited to take part in a finale performance on our main stage. Whether its dance, singing, percussion or melody that has inspired you, performing with professional artists will be a special experience for both participants and audiences alike.

Anatolian and Middle Eastern music traditions share deep historical roots and a rich tapestry of dance, rhythms, and expressive techniques.  With four artists directing the music and choreography, this will no doubt be a highlight performance of the weekend.

Cabaret

SUNDAY NIGHT 8.45

At our special Cabaret Night, the spotlight is all yours. Sunday night at Drum Camp is where you can become the artist. We set aside an hour on the main stage to offer our community the opportunity to take to the stage.

The Konatanni Drummers will be back to ignite the energy after last years spectacular opening set, and you too can step forward to share your musical talent, make us laugh, or offer something heartfelt and unique. Whether you're drumming, singing, storytelling, or surprising us with something entirely unexpected, this is your moment to shine. It’s your chance to take to the stage and be part of a truly unforgettable night.

Come and talk to us in the information tent over the weekend! 

THE SCOOBS

SUNDAY NIGHT 10pm

The Scoobs take to the stage to celebrate Drum Camp's 30th anniversary and end the event in fine party style. This is a group of experienced musicians who describe their music as ‘world grooves fusion’. That’s a term used to cover a multitude of sins, but in their case it means that you might hear hints of funk, reggae, high life, afro-beat, ska and probably a few more besides.

The Scoobs will be out to have as much fun as their audience - and that’s about the size of it: no frills, no gimmicks, no outlandish performances or musical gymnastics, just deep earthy grooves, light catchy melodies, and an unaffected pleasure in being there and sharing their music. You can expect one or two special guests to join them on stage! 

DJ Dubious

FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY NIGHT SETS

DJ Dubious has been our Drum Camp house DJ for as long as we can remember, and he never fails to deliver with his eclectic blend of dance music—what he calls “World Music, but not as you know it.” Expect everything from Chango and Mestizo to Latin-Ska-Hop, Salsamuffin, and Gypsy-Dub. 

He has brought his unmistakable energy to festivals including WOMAD, Glastonbury, Harlequin Fayre, and streams weekly sets through his online channel Phat Planet! During the COVID lockdowns, he lifted our spirits by live-streaming unforgettable DJ sets straight into our homes—moments that gave us something joyful to party to during tough times. We love him and know that few can resist taking to the dance floor once he starts a set.

DJ MICHAEL

SATURDAY & SUNDAY NIGHT SETS

DJ Michael Gyapong, originally from Ghana and now based in Norwich, has spent the past eight years cultivating a devoted following across the city’s bars, clubs, and concert nights. Renowned for his vibrant sets that weave together Afrobeat, Highlife, Afropop, and Cuban grooves, he brings a rich and dynamic sound to every event. His deep passion for Afro-Cuban and Latin crossover styles—along with an ever-growing library of inventive remixes—gives him an expansive catalogue of dance-driven music to energize any crowd.

Michael is also a tireless fundraiser for Medecins Sans Frontieres, having helped raise over £25,000 for the organisation to date. Dont be surprised if you see him out and about with his fundraising bucket over the weekend!

'THE Educator'

THURSDAY & FRIDAY NIGHT SETS

For the first two evenings of Drum Camp, The Educator will be guiding us through a journey of sound, pulling rare cuts from deep in the crates and spinning wisdom on the decks. Get ready to listen, learn, and dance. 

The Educator’s sets are strictly vinyl, powered by one of the most remarkable and ever-growing record collections around. He has graced Drum Camp on numerous occasions, seamlessly blending world grooves and rare tunes drawn from his vast archive. Expect vinyl treasures ranging from the Congo to Colombia and from the Balkans to New York—Jazz, Klezmer, Highlife, Funk, Latin, and more, each track handpicked for its irresistible, dance-floor-filling energy.