Family First: Rhythms of Life - Jembe Drumming & Dance

Participants will learn the history of Jembe drumming and dance, important people, places and events that helped this drum become the most popular hand drum in the world today. Drums 4 Life will bring an array of percussion for participants to enjoy a hands-on healing experience. Participants will also learn movements and songs that help to make the rhythms whole. This workshop is for all ages and skill levels.

Family First is presented by Novant Health

Drums 4 Life is a Charlotte-based drumming and wellness program rooted in the belief that rhythm has the power to heal, connect, and transform. Founded on the mantra "Hands On Healing," the program brings African drumming, storytelling, and cultural education to schools, community centers, and wellness spaces.

For more than a decade, Drums 4 Life has engaged diverse audiences—youth, elders, educators, and corporate teams—through interactive workshops that combine history, rhythm, and mindfulness. Their presentations emphasize African heritage while promoting teamwork, focus, and emotional release. The group has partnered with schools, nonprofits, and cultural institutions across the U.S. and Ghana, bridging communities through rhythm and tradition.

Passionate about education and cultural preservation, Drums 4 Life highlights the jembe as both a musical instrument and a tool of empowerment. Programs range from back-to-school residencies and youth enrichment workshops to wellness sessions and international cultural exchanges.