Hands On Skin: West African inspired Music, Movement, Stories and Song.

Happy New Year to you all.
I will be in Gambia/Cassamance from 4th Jan to 6th Feb. Responses to messages may be intermittent. Watch this space for videos, livestream etc.. Music and 'culture' (hopefully including some cooking lessons with Adja Daffy), plus the usual random flora n fauna, stories n humour... If you want something specific feel free to ask and I'll see what's possible.

Tate Modern Turbine Hall. 'Wrappings' (my title), narratives on colonialism & the movement of goods n people, but also an 'ecological' statement about what we use, what we disguard, how we affect each other.. (and drink)forthought

Bridges, rivers.. physical & emotional... The space between the two parts of my life.. Countdown to Gambia/Senegal trip - 6 days...

Dirty Old River....

https://toumaranke.wordpress.com/2023/12/01/toumarankeuk-chris-the-community-musician/

ToumarankeUK. Chris: the Community Musician It’s been a long, long time since I’ve written anything here. So long, in fact, I’ve forgotten how to format anything and am struggling with technical ‘how-tos’, so th…

It's been wonderful working with these people this year, look forward to developing & deepening...

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159512025571806&id=660651805

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The Big shekere is in need of repair..

Instruments (mostly percussive frogs) under the Xmas tree communitymusic

I'm always a bit sad at the end of a project but the soundLINCS Sociables group over at the Holbeach Hub have been AMAZING. Such great groups, music, maths & laughs. Extraordinary levels of engagement & kindness and a LOT of progress both socially & rhymically.. Special thanks to all staff but especially Ruthie & AJ. I so hope we get some more funding next year to do some more.. Gonna miss you guys...

Really sorry people. Bit of a nightmare day & I now have a twisted ankle & can't drive so tomorrow's Weymouth workshop session will now be lead by Jo Macrae. You can either do the workshop with her, or I'll refund your money.

Playing in Queens Hospital Burton yesterday with .sylla.351 for

We'll be working with Air Arts again today, playing on the wards in Queens Hospital, Burton.

Spot the wrong kind of snake! (It should be an Adder!)

Moussa's hat (and some things) came to school with me! Long time since I've done an assembly! Great kids in Swanick Sports college - loads of exploring, culturally and rhythmically - the hat was almost as popular as me!

Been a long time since I wrote on the blog, also first time writing 'about' me!

ToumarankeUK. Chris: the Community Musician It’s been a long, long time since I’ve written anything here. So long, in fact, I’ve forgotten how to format anything and am struggling with technical ‘how-tos’, so th…

New stock, just in time, this last load of work for UPBEAT via has been quite heavy on equipment!

Hooray for Lincolnshire!

First British-grown baked beans get canned in Lincolnshire

Drums n stuff..

Some of my 'everyday Africa' equipment, plus some of the percussion...

More 'everyday Africa', a new project for schools education

Maïmouna Elle is Romanticizing African Countries, One Instagram Post at a Time ​The Senegalese videographer believes more African countries deserve to be seen in a glowing light.

Queens hospital, Burton, with Air Arts. Such great work, lovely to lift the spirits of patients & staff..

More beautiful moments from yesterday's performance with my Sociables Drummers..