Every culture has percussion….

A sleeper-hit of the festival every year, this event is a must-attend for novices and experts alike. All are welcome to learn and immerse themselves in a culturally-specific percussion practice. The best part? No drums are needed!

THIS year, we present the percussive practice of Gumboot Dancing, taught by John Mambira.

Gumboot dancing originated in the mines of apartheid-era South Africa as a way for miners (often forced laborers) to communicate who were forbidden from talk to one another. It became a protest symbol and a way to express unification in the face of oppression. Today, this form of percussion/dance/communication remains a symbol of hope and solidarity.

Learn more: southafrica.net, capetownmagazine.com, artsemerson.org

This event is a part of the 2024 Rogue World Music Festival, a collaboration between Rogue World Music, Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission, Medford Parks and Recreation Commission, and Travel Ashland.