Mala Majo Tour
African Drum & Dance Study Tour July 5th – 27th 2025
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.
Unforgettable Experience
The traditional African drumming led by our master drummers from Ghana. Through this unique and fun learning experience participants will be taught a range of traditional rhythms specific to 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 including cooking, sharing traditional cuisine, local markets, public transport (Trotro), and having local garments tailored. Sightseeing trips on weekends will take in some of 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 through group lessons, rehearsals, and optional private lessons, all while enjoying the beautiful Ghanaian coastline; it is the perfect way to gain valuable personal 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 or two week options available for those unable to commit to the full three week tour. Dances and drumming taught include various traditional rhythms specific to Ghanaian ethnic groups. Rhythms from neighbouring countries in West Africa will also be explored and be played on djembe, dundun and kpanlogo drums. All students are welcome to join a performance at the Mala Majo festival on the final week of the tour.
Private lessons can be arranged on request, with tuition in drumming, dance, and other traditional instruments including Dunun, Balafon, Kora, Mbira, Talking Drum, Flute, and more. The hourly rate for private lessons is $30 AUD per person.
Mala Majo Festival
Experience the electrifying Mala Majo Festival as you join local bands and cultural groups on stage to perform as the culmination of your time in Ghana.
Students on tour will rehearse with professional drummers and dancers throughout the 3 weeks, and present their performance on stage at the festival.
Find out more about the Mala Majo Festival on our FB page.
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.
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 is ideal for school and community groups, educators, or corporate groups. We create a tailored experience for your specific group. Study traditional African drumming, dance, music, and enjoy fun weekend sightseeing opportunities with your group. We offer discounted group rates for groups of 10 or more. We can accommodate any group size and will design and facilitate a program exclusively for your group.
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 Nungua or 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 stew and yam, and 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 any dietary requirements.
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 a local guest house along the coast.
How can I stay in touch with family and friends?
Students on the tour can access local internet café or purchase a SIM card 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 or Travel Doctor https://www.traveldoctor.com.au/destinations/ghana
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 accomodation 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. Stationery 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 from your arrival until 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 memorable 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.
Book your tour!
Tour booking
Mala Majo Music and Dance Festival
Empowering, uplifting and preserving our traditional heritage.