Our People

Leading with passion, purpose and positivity!

Our Team

Our team are professionals - specially trained facilitators, seasoned musicians, and charismatic entertainers who LOVE what they do! This is obvious AND infectious! We LEAD with passion, purpose and positivity and a sense of professionalism and commitment to customer service and team values unmatched in our industry.

Afrobeat is supported by an unbeatable line up of global talent who are not only talented and passionate about building community through music – they are also committed to our values and work ethics, and the creative collaboration, design and development of our programs while maintaining a respect and connection for the culture that inspires it.

Industry leaders for 20 years, we’ve developed programs that balance creativity, ownership and personal reward; engaging diverse people and contexts through interactive drumming and dance. We know how to keep an audience entertained, maintaining team focus and momentum. Experts in reading the ‘group dynamic’, our facilitators are able to adapt and reformulate our programs to suit the ‘in-the-moment’ group experience.

"Your team absolutely delighted the staff and students with their energy, warmth, spirit and their great skills. It was wonderful to see their magnetic effect on the crowd....the performers instantly generated their trust. Each time we have AFROBEAT people here, they bring a little light and happiness with them"

Geelong Grammar School

Founder

Janine Rew (aka 'neeni-tuti')

Creative Director | Facilitator | Instructor | Trainer

B.Ap.Sci – Social Ecology

Majored in Community Development, Group Facilitation and Organisational Change

Certificate IV in Business - Business Management

Trained by Culture Keepers - Masters of African Drumming & Dance from WEST AFRICA

Following a trip to Africa in 1995, Afrobeat Founder and Principle Facilitator Janine Rew became fascinated with African Rhythms and subsequently studied Traditional Percussion and dance under renowned Master and Culture Keeper A. Epizo Bangoura (who originates from Guinea, West Africa) for 12 years.

A graduate in interpersonal communications and facilitation, Janine immediately recognised and identified the connections between African Rhythms and their application to group processes, personal growth and community building. A versatile and respected professional, Janine hails from a diverse background of more than 25 years of formal dance training and performance.

The only female ‘African style’ percussionist to be endorsed by Billy Hydes (Australia’s largest retailer of percussion), she has been instructing individuals and groups in West African percussion and dance technique, and facilitated drumming circles and interactive entertainment with diverse audiences for more than 25 years.

Success Stories

Meeting Opener – Cottage by the Sea, Queenscliff (PART 1)

Thanks so much it was a great way to start the day off before our meeting. From all accounts everyone enjoyed the session so thank you. A lot of fun and a great euphemism for our corporate journey and aspirations to be…

Meeting Opener – Cottage by the Sea, Queenscliff (PART 2)

…a harmonious workplace. This was a creative fun approach towards team building and unity. Great right / left brain activity, providing creative escapism.

Conference Participant – Sydney (PART 1)

We had Afrobeat attend the afternoon of our annual planning day. I was overjoyed to walk into the function room after a break, only to find the room set up in three rows of chairs, with a drum in front of each. My joy grew exponentially as I sank into…

Conference Participant – Sydney (PART 2)

…the meditation and excitement of drumming within the group; after 40 minutes of this I was hooked, and myself and a colleague signed up to Janine’s community classes.

DRUMMING COURSE – Werrington Youth Centre, NSW 1

These workshops were highly successful in bringing together our community. Participants learned the beautiful rhythms of Africa and their cultural stories. We learned how different rhythms were specific to different celebrations & customs. It was an enlightening experience for all involved. During these workshops, we were approached by the producers of Channel 10’s

DRUMMING COURSE – Werrington Youth Centre, NSW 2

…’Totally Wild’ to film a story on African Drumming. It was an extremely exciting time, bringing a community of young people, parents & workers together. Janine is very sincere & genuine & has the ability to energise a group of people & inspire them to share with her the wonderful rhythms & dances of Africa.

6 week Drumming Program for At-risk Youth – Leaps and Bounds 1

Leaps and Bounds staff and students had a great term, which culminated in a brilliant performance. Indeed, the facilitator was very charismatic & always appropriate for our students who all have different issues and difficulties. The performance in front of parents driven by Afrobeat’s enthusiasm & belief in them was an amazing feat for students…

6 week Drumming Program for At-risk Youth – Leaps and Bounds 2

…who may never have an opportunity to show their skills or push their limits in front of an audience, particularly one who they believe may be sceptical or negative. They put their fears aside, and the looks on their faces showed how important this event (and the previous lessons) had been.

Sovereign Hill Music Festival – Managing Director of Mushroom Marketing 1

Energetic, Entertaining & Exciting! Afrobeat introduced members of the audience to the art of African Drumming by inviting them to participate in a group music ‘jam’. 60 or more children & parents participated in the event where traditional barrier between performer and audience was well and truly broken!…

Sovereign Hill Music Festival – Managing Director of Mushroom Marketing 2

The excellent communication skills of Afrobeat, particularly with young children, and their ability to involve all members of the audience made these workshops a highlight of the Festival. It was no surprise that the feedback from was fantastic and I would expect that this experience would live long in their memories.

INTERACTIVE DRUM & DANCE SHOW – Oatlands Primary School, VIC 1

It was an awesome show yesterday! Huge full school attendance and an epic high energy and engaging interactive performance! The students were welcomed with beautiful kora music and drumming. Later, several students were invited to the stage and guided through a drumming workshop…

INTERACTIVE DRUM & DANCE SHOW – Oatlands Primary School, VIC 2

…while the rest of the school clapped along, and everyone was in awe of the dancing and flips and somersaults that followed! High energy drumming and a phenomenal show! The teachers drum and dance inclusion towards the end was enjoyed by all, and the guys were real pros: such a powerful combo!

AFRICAN DRUM & DANCE SHOW – Bannockburn Primary School, VIC

A fantastic high energy performance. We were clapping and stamping our feet from start to finish. Kept 550 kids enthralled for the whole show!

FULL DAY INTERACTIVE DRUMMING WORKSHOPS & SHOW – Ascot Vale Primary School, VIC

The whole school loved the experience. The kids really enjoyed the smaller group experience where they all had access to a drum… Initially I was thinking the first small group activity would be too short however having seen the kids in action they were pooped after the 25 minutes. The staff loved the experience, Thank-you!

INTERACTIVE DRUMMING FULL DAY WORKSHOPS & SHOW – Point Lonsdale Primary School, VIC 1

Afrobeat is not your average music program to visit a school. It offers so much more! Afrobeat brings the kids together in rhythm, makes it contagious enough for the teachers to want to play along, and invites the school community to come together in a way that is truly special. It’s clear to see Afrobeat…

INTERACTIVE DRUMMING FULL DAY WORKSHOPS & SHOW – Point Lonsdale Primary School, VIC 2

…weaves the very best of this cultural drumming & offers it to Aussie school kids in a way that makes sense, excites them & lets them experience African culture and music in their classrooms. At its heart is a driving rhythm that brings the school community together in magical way!