Soul Circles Drumming was founded on the belief that rhythm has the capacity to bring people together, support learning, and strengthen wellbeing. Drawing on the rich traditions of West African percussion, our programs create opportunities for connection, participation, creativity, and community across educational, therapeutic, and community settings.
Facilitators
Djulz Chambers
Djulz Chambers (Founder) is an Australian therapeutic rhythm facilitator, educator, and Djembe practitioner with over twenty years’ experience delivering rhythm-based programs across educational, AOD, mental health, and all-abilities settings throughout Australia. Her foundational training began in 2005 while living with traditional communities in Northern Burkina Faso. Years spent immersed in the sub-Sahel cultures shaped both her musical practice and her understanding of rhythm as a tool for connection, regulation, and community wellbeing. Since returning to Australia, Djulz has worked extensively within schools, addiction recovery services, and community organisations, translating West African percussion traditions into trauma-informed and socially inclusive programs. She currently delivers facilitator training nationally through African Drumming and specialises in creating engaging group experiences that support emotional wellbeing, social connection, and embodied learning.
Odai Affotey
Odai Affotey is a traditional custodian of Southern Ghanaian drum and dance knowledge. Growing up in the coastal village of Nungua, Ghana, Odai spent his youth imitating the movement and rhythm of his ancestral legacy. At the age of seven, he was an integral part of the Suadey Cultural Group which later evolved into the Nokoyejen Cultural Group. In his youth, he held directorial and choreographic roles within the Edinkra ensemble and later went on to dance as part of the internationally acclaimed Kusun ensemble, which toured West Africa and parts of the Northern United States. Later in life he held performance and teaching responsibilities with the Salaka Ensemble led by Sydney-based Tuza Afutu, which toured prolifically around Australia as a cultural exchange troupe. Odai first settled into Australia in 2011, when he established his company African Oz Drum ’n’ Dance and is now sharing his skill, knowledge and Ga culture with Australian communities from his base in Melbourne.
Our Approach
Our work is informed by three interconnected foundations:
Traditional West African Percussion
Respect for the musical traditions, rhythms, and ensemble practices from which this work originates.
Therapeutic Rhythm Facilitation
An understanding of rhythm as a tool for connection, participation, emotional regulation, and wellbeing.
Community Building Through Music
Creating inclusive experiences where people of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities can learn, contribute, and belong.
Traditional West African Percussion
Respect for the musical traditions, rhythms, and ensemble practices from which this work originates.
Therapeutic Rhythm Facilitation
An understanding of rhythm as a tool for connection, participation, emotional regulation, and wellbeing.
Community Building Through Music
Creating inclusive experiences where people of diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities can learn, contribute, and belong.