This page is to help dancers and teachers get in touch with a drummer for their classes, hafla's or workshops. Some of the drummers here will also teach Arabic drumming to dancers. Drummers (and Arabic Bands) are listed by their name and the area of the UK that they cover. Please note that Wiggle do not endorse any drummer and any claims made in their blurb are completely their own.

Note: Please try to contact the drummer direct using the information in their entry. If you are a drummer who plays authentic instruments and Arabic rhythms then we would be pleased to add you to the list. There's no cost, just contact the webmaster at the email address at the bottom of the page.

Adam Warne - International

Adam Warne is a multi-percussionist specializing in the drums and rhythms of Egypt. Described by Songlines magazine as a "hand drum wiz" and by Metro as "a virtuoso on the riq", he has recently recorded two albums with Guy Schalom as a member of the Baladi Blues Ensemble, and performed Egyptian Classical music with Al Teslim in Finland. He also works extensively in Dance with Helena Metsa, Jane Wass and Banat Eschorouk among others. Adam is available internationally for performance work as a soloist on tabla, as well as in a supporting role as a duf and riq player. He is also available for individual or group tuition and recording work. For more information contact Adam on 07854 179092 or email him at adam@rhythmicginger.com.

Altair Shahin - Banffshire, Scotland.

Altair Shahin is the performing name for Neil Sharpe. Neil has considerable experience in African rhythms and drumming and has recently started to play Egyptian drums for bellydance. Originally from Warwickshire he started playing music on the folk scene. His latest CD is called "Qetesh". He is available for performances, workshops, festivals and haflas; either singly or working with 'Malimbo Drums'. To contact Neil write to Neil Sharpe, Barbethill, Alvah nr Banff AB45 3DT or ring 01466 780 314 or email him at healingmusicuk@hotmail.co.uk, he has a website at www.madeinbanffshire.co.uk.

Chas Whitaker - South West England.

Chas has been teaching and performing Middle Eastern percussion for over 15 years. Known for his clear and relaxed instruction Chas has taught at numerous events - International Bellydance Congress, Majma, Madn, Tribe of Doris, Drum Camp East, Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp, Glastonbury Festival, WOMAD and many others. He collaborates with many dancers nationally and teaches with Karine Butchart in Turkey, he performs in several bands playing traditional Middle Eastern as well as fusion music. Chas runs workshops for both drummers as well as for dancers to learn more about rhythms and dancing with drummers and live musicians. He runs a Music, Percussion and Dance Holiday in the S.W. of England. Chas and his bands are available for any event - haflas, weddings, celebrations, concerts and festivals. His website has the most comprehensive reviews of CDs/DVDs/Books for Arabic percussion as well as the latest information about his workshops and performances. He also sells top quality percussion instruments sourced directly from Egypt and Turkey. To contact Chas email him at chas@arabicdrum.co.uk, or visit his website at www.arabicdrum.co.uk

Flying Carpet - Herefordshire.

Flying Carpet are an Arabic/Moroccan drumming group (predominantly Morrocan trance drummers) who were started by Quentin Shaw and Heather McQueen, now of Chicago Aissawa. They cover the range of drumming styles from Iraq to Egypt and Moroccan trance styles, providing from a few people to accompany dancers right up to a full drum circle with flutes and ghaitas. To contact Flying Carpet email them at alastairmcgowan@btopenworld.com, or browse to their website at www.flyingcarpet.org.uk

John Sleiman - Swindon.

John is an experienced and accomplished tabla and arabic keyboard player. Born in Lebanon he is now based in Swindon. He regularly accompanies renowned dancer Jacqui Jamal and together they have performed at Majma, Fantasia, Tribe of Doris and Ashton Court Festival. He is a regular drummer at The Du Liban restaurant in Oxford. He is available to perform at haflas, parties and dance classes and gives individual and group drumming classes with drums provided. For more information contact John at sleiman@tiscali.co.uk or via his web site www.johnsleiman.co.uk

Numan - London.

Neuman is based nearlondon, though originally from Turky. He plays the darbuka, frame drum and gatam, amongst other instruments. He regularly plays at live gigs, with well known musicians, and for the BBC. Occasionally providing music for TV shows. A darbuka player for all occasions. Contact Numan on 07960 047 876, email him at darbukasolo@hotmail.com.

Max MacLeod - Now moved to Spain!

Max has been studying oriental percussion for over nine years under teachers such as 'Johnny' from Lebanon, Michel Baqlouq of the Fairuz Ensemble, Sala Dawson Miller, and the gradfather of Egyptian darabhuka - Mahmoud Hammouda. He now lives in Glasgow teaching and performing with Middle Eastern band Nomadiqa. (CD now out! Visit www.nomadiqa.com to hear some tracks) Max is available to teach most styles of Arabian drumming and runs a weekly workshop at Lansdowne Church from 7pm until 8pm. Private lessons are available on request. Contact Max on 0141 357 5122 or email him at maxwellmac99@yahoo.com.

Maghribibeat - Yorkshire.

Excellence dance music played in an imitable style rooted in North African Arabic music lead by Mohammed Ibn Sina and Abdul Haddani. This band has played to enthusiastic audiences at many events and festivals in the North of England throughout 2003. If you would like a band with a difference at your event, festival or hafla contact the band on 01422 845 798 or 07880 524 393 or email jan@ibnsina.freeserve.co.uk.

Mohammed Alnajjar - Nottinghamshire.

Mohammed is a profesional drummer who has been playing the darbuka for over 20 years. He has played with well known Arabic singing groups and bellydancers in Syria, Lebanon, Dubia and England. He plays for a local bellydancing class and at haflas and workshops. Also at resturants and weddings. He is available to drum for musical groups or bellydancers and also to teach individual and group drumming classes. For more information contact Mohammed on 07852 255 242 or email him at shatk01@hotmail.co.uk

Mohammed Ibn Sina - Yorkshire.

Natural Moroccan drummer, specialises in North African, including Egyptian, dance rhythms. Mohammed plays and teaches the derbouka, bendir, quarkeb and djembe. Available for workshops, private lessons, blocks of group lessons, Halfas and session work. Currently teaching weekly classes in Hebden Bridge on Monday evenings. For more information contact Mohammed on 01422 845 798 or 07880 524 393 or email him at mohammed@ibnsina.freeserve.co.uk

Paul Midgley - Basingstoke.

Plays and teaches Darabuka and plays in a band called "Rhythm Mosaic" who are available to play at hafla's and dance events. Contact Paul or the band at drum.runners@virgin.net or telephone him on 01256 350 499.

Wade - Essex & London.

I play darbuka, and have drummed with 'In Toto' theatre at several large events such as the Thames Festival Night Time Carnival, the 'Light It' Festival & in a Middle Eastern quartet at Glazers Hall Festival as well as haflas & workshops. I am available for events in London & Essex, but can travel further afield if necessary. Will drum at haflas & dance workshops, teach rhythms to dancers and can take on drumming workshops, providing several drums if needed. Also, if you need a darbuka player for your Middle Eastern band. Contact me:- Email wade750@msn.com or Mobile: 07906 033 768.

Woody - Yorkshire.

Arabic drumming for haflas & workshops in and around the Yorkshire area - any venue near public transport. Specializing in Darbuka (Egyptian Tabla), also plays Douf, Riq and Zills. Available to teach Arabic rhythms to dancers and drummers, instructional cds also available (contact e.mail address for info). Contact me on 01422 843520 or by e.mail at drumwoodytoo@yahoo.co.uk. Reasonable fees and travel expenses.

Zinga Rabhi - Kent & East Sussex.

Arabic drumming for haflas & workshops in and around Kent & East Sussex area.Specializing in Darbuka (Egyptian Tabla), also plays Douf, Riq and castennett. Available to teach Arabic rhythms to dancers and drummers, instructional cds and tapes available (contact e.mail address for info). Contact me on 07786135617 or by e.mail at zinga@talktalk.net.