Learn Authentic West African Djembe the TTMDA Way
I am a certified senior teacher under the late Grandmaster Mamady Keïta. We follow his official TTMDA curriculum, ensuring you learn Djembe with an authentic, structured, and holistic approach.
I'm explaining the TTMDA level appraisal system, created by my guru Mamady Keïta. It's a graded, progressive way to learn Mandingue percussion, ensuring a holistic and manageable learning journey.
Here I am with my guru, the great Mamady Keïta, at an international summer workshop. It was an honor to learn from him, and I carry his teachings in every class I lead.
A group photo from one of my training sessions with Mamady Keïta. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and the legacy he left. We continue to spread his philosophy and teachings.
Another cherished memory with my guru. His mission was to share the Djembe with the world, and I am committed to continuing that mission here in India.
Sharing a moment with Mamady Keïta. His philosophy was "Be Happy, Be Djembe," and that is the spirit we bring to every class and drum circle.
A photo from an international gathering of TTMDA teachers and students, all united by the teachings of Mamady Keïta. It's a global family connected by rhythm.
About this collection
Learning the Djembe here isn't just about picking up a few beats. Because we follow the official TTMDA (Tam Tam Mandingue Djembe Academy) curriculum, you'll work through a clear, graded level system—from level one basics to advanced techniques—rather than jumping between random rhythms. This structure means you get a holistic understanding of Mandingue percussion and can actually measure your progress, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your craft.
When you join us, you’re not just learning a few grooves. You’re stepping into a lineage. The TTMDA system is the curriculum my guru, Grandmaster Mamady Keïta, developed over a lifetime of collecting rhythms across West Africa. It’s a holistic framework that breaks down Mandingue percussion into manageable, graded levels—from one to eight.
Why does this matter? Because without a map, learning Djembe can feel overwhelming. You might learn a rhythm here or a beat there, but you’ll often miss the context, the cultural story, and the correct technique. With our structure, you know exactly where you stand and where you’re headed. We focus on the 'Say it, Play it' method, which helps you internalize complex patterns by vocalizing them first.
We run these sessions at our studios in Kalyani Nagar and Baner. Whether you’re a complete beginner starting at Level 1 or looking to deepen your existing skills, you’ll find a consistent path here. You’ll also get access to recorded recaps to practice at home. It’s about building muscle memory, understanding the history of the beats, and ensuring that by the time you reach the higher levels, you truly embody the spirit of the Djembe. It’s serious practice, but we make sure the 'Wassa Wassa' (happy) energy is always there.
Taal Inc
I am deeply grateful to carry forward the teachings of my guru, the late Grandmaster Mamady Keïta. At Taal Inc., my mission is to share the Djembe with the same joy and rigor he showed me, making this beautiful tradition accessible to everyone right here in Pune.
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