Jamie Riley

Jamie is an accomplished performer who has been playing West African percussion for over ten years. During this time he has completed numerous intensive study trips with drumming masters in Guinea, Senegal and The Gambia, including Morley Toure (Ballet Liberte) and 'Sipa' Mohammed 'Sylla (Les Percussions de Guinea).
He has a passion for teaching and has led successful workshops in a variety of settings including prisons, schools for young people with special educational needs and care centres for the elderly. His positive and energetic style inspires people from all ages and backgrounds, from pre-school children to professional musicians.

Jamie also manages the Drumroots drum skinning and repair team. He is a highly respected drum maker and has re-skinned Djembes and Dunduns for master drummers in both the UK and in Africa.

John Tullo (Beej)

John first studied Djembe in New Zealand with the group 'Tamani' and joined Tanante upon his return to the UK. He has completed several periods of study in West Africa, but it was on his second study trip to the village of Sangbaralla in Guinea that his passion for the Dunduns began. Here, he met and studied with the Djembe fola, Namory Keita.
Despite being a powerful and dynamic Dundun player, John has a gentle teaching style and is committed to sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise with others.

He is currently working with Maitre Samsou (Les Ballets Africans) and regularly supports the classes of other West African artists based in the UK, such as Ibrou Souma.

John manages the Drumroots website, publicity and is a HSE certified first aider.

Joanna Huddart

Joanna initially studied Tabla (Indian drums) and established a community Samba band, before joining Tanante in 2005. She has trained with master drummers in Senegal, The Gambia and Guinea.

As well as being a charismatic drummer, she is also a versatile singer with a passion for West African song. She has a special interest in the drum as a therapeutic tool and co-founded our Women's Drumcircle in 2006. Since then, she has led many successful projects and workshops in communities across Manchester.

Joanna also manages the Drumroots bookings, projects and accounts.

Simon McCarthy

After graduating from Salford University with a BA in Popular Music and Recording, he travelled to Burkina Faso to develop his Djembe technique and it was here that he fell in love with the music and culture. He has now completed seven study trips to West Africa and also continues to develop his musical skills with other West African musicians in the UK.
As well as being a talented Djembe player, Simon is a versatile musician and a natural performer who also plays the Guitar, Kora, N'goni and Kirin. A gifted singer with an extensive repertoire of West African songs, he often leads the singing in workshops and Tanante performances.

Simon is a patient and dedicated teacher and was the founder of our weekly public workshops in Manchester. He also re-skins and repairs Djembes to the highest standard.