About the Course
Welcome to our 12-week course on African and Modern Drumming. The primary objective of this course is to provide instruction on the foundational principles of African and modern drumming. Participants will acquire knowledge and skills in the performance of traditional African rhythms, alongside contemporary drumming techniques. The curriculum will encompass a diverse array of subjects, such as the various components of djembe accompaniment, musical cues and compositions, individual melodic motifs, as well as the bass drum and bell components.
The training offered is appropriate for individuals at both introductory and intermediate skill levels. It is advisable to possess a fundamental understanding of music theory, encompassing concepts such as rhythm, pace, and rudimentary drumming methods. Successful completion of the Intermediate Percussion course or demonstration of similar knowledge and expertise is a prerequisite.
The course is instructed by seasoned percussionists who possess extensive expertise in several musical situations, encompassing solo performances, collaborative accompaniment for vocalists or instrumentalists, as well as participation in ensemble configurations. The instructors will offer individualised feedback on your performance and assist with the cultivation of your drumming abilities.
The training is provided by the Music Hope Centre and commences in January of 2024.
We anticipate that you will derive satisfaction from the course and eagerly anticipate your presence in the near future.
Your Instructor
Ukpe Justine Udoeka
Ukpe is a Nigerian musician based in Lebanon. He earned a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Business Management from the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Lebanon.
Born on 16th June 1990, Ukpe started drumming in his local church at age 9; and began his professional music career in 2009. His drumming style is rooted in Jazz, contemporary, African ethnic music, oriental and world music.
In 2013, Ukpe graduated from SPAN Academy of Jazz and Contemporary Music, a subsidiary of Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria where he earned a Professional Performance
Certification (PPC). While at the academy, he studied under two legendary musicians: Bright Gain and Raymond Jehovy (known as Papa Ray).
Upon his graduation, The Academy offered him the position of an associate instructor for two years- upon which He was awarded an exclusive fully funded scholarship from Society for the performing arts in Nigeria via SPAN Academy of jazz and contemporary music to Study in Lebanon. The same year, he got the Precise and Groovy Upcoming Drummers Award in Lagos, Nigeria.
Before migrating to Lebanon, Ukpe founded a forum that provided a platform for drummers
engaging young and aspiring drummers to share ideas and engender the practice of excellence within the music cultural exchange in Lagos music community. He was also the co-founder of The Psalms Company, A musical advisory and consultancy company in Lagos, Nigeria. He also became a partner of H.O.M.E (Helping Other Musicians Excel), an initiative whose mission is to help improve the lives and conditions of upcoming musicians, by working with them
individually to identify, plan and secure the resources needed to make them optimize and launch their dreams. In H.O.M.E, He provided a wide range of programs to upcoming musicians such as music education, production, administration, performance and consultation.
Ukpe has traveled extensively, engaging in various music exchanges home and abroad. His
creative music production and exchange has earned him a place in performances with prominent musicians such as:
● Bright Gain: an African Jazz Composer Bassist and the Music Director of SPAN Music Academy
● Victor Ademofe: a well-known trumpeter and African Jazz Musician.
● El Jazz: a prominent guitarist
● Segun Atoyebi: a sensational saxophonist of Imole Africa band
● Victor Masondo: a South African Bassist
● AnnySings: gospel artist and songwriter
● Lagos International Jazz Festival: One of the leading jazz festivals in Africa; where he featured as an artist
In Lebanon:
● Fady Abi Saad: known as Aleph- is a Lebanese pianist, composer, arranger, Steinway artist and owner of 8 Art Entertainment.
● Daly Gana: Tunisian Lebanon-based artist and guitarist
● Dia: Contemporary Jazz artist and Beirut Electro Swing Band
● Marc Hatem: Lebanese pop singer and the Take Five Band
● The John's Quartet: Lebanese Jazz Band
Notable past performances:
● Gianluca Marciano Orchestra at Festival Suoni Dal Golfo Di Lerici, Italy.
● AUB Outdoors, an annual music festival organized by the American University of Beirut
● Jounieh Festival
● Beirut International Jazz Week: A jazz event organized by the American Embassy
He was recently featured in an humanitarian live recording project with Aleph Trio “tribute to all victims of the August 4th Beirut blast”. Ukpe is performed on several scheduled tours across North America, Europe, Africa,
His future project is looking to capture the essence of his African roots revealing his greatest desire to reconcile his love for his homeland, its culture, people and history. He has also Co-authored a book on African Ethnic Music.