💖 Beginner Friendly — Kita Soli (Soli Lent)

🎯 What to Expect

Drumming is built on three essential pillars:

• Technique – Mastering the way you strike the drum.

• Timing – Keeping steady and precise rhythms.

• Tempo – Developing control over speed and groove.

I chose Kita Soli as the foundation of this beginner’s course because it is deeply embedded in the global musical DNA. Whether in rock, hip-hop, pop, jazz, or electronic music, this rhythm transcends genres. Seeing its power, I expanded on this theme, using one of the djembe solo parts to create 18 variations to help students develop on the djembe.

Through playful exploration of these rhythms, we will refine our individual and group understanding of the fundamental concepts of drumming and more.

🌀 Chapter 1: Djembe Foundations, Rudiments & Core Solos — Establishing the Pulse

We begin by building a strong relationship with the djembe itself — physically, rhythmically, and musically.

You’ll learn how to hold, position, and listen to the drum as a tool for connection and expression, while developing clear, relaxed technique. Foundational rudiments focus on bass and tone, strengthening your hands and helping you internalize the downbeat, a defining feature of Kita Soli and all Manding rhythms.

From there, you’ll work through Djembe Solos 1–6, starting simply and progressively adding structure. These early solos emphasize precision, consistency, and grounded timing — laying a stable rhythmic foundation before additional sounds are introduced.

Wellness Focus: Grounding, coordination, internal pulse, relaxed focus

🎨 Chapter 2: Introducing the Slap — Articulation & Expression

With the foundation established, we introduce the slap — the bright, cutting voice of the djembe.

You’ll receive focused technique instruction on bass, tone, and slap, learning how contrast between sounds creates clarity, articulation, and musical energy. Rudiments expand to include the slap sound and sextuplet-based movement, increasing dexterity and rhythmic fluency.

Each of the six core solos is revisited with this expanded sound palette, allowing familiar material to take on new life. What once felt simple now becomes expressive, dynamic, and more rhythmically complete.

Wellness Focus: Confidence, expressiveness, precision without tension

🌍 Chapter 3: The Bass Layer — Depth, Power & Drive

In this chapter, we deepen the groove by fully introducing the bass layer — the grounding force of Kita Soli.

You’ll explore how bass anchors rhythm, adds weight, and transforms your playing, especially when drumming solo or in small groups. Rudiments grow more complex, now asking you to switch fluidly between tone and slap within the same phrase, an important step in developing control and coordination.

The six core solos are expanded once more, this time with added bass movement. These enhancements create a fuller, more dynamic sound, helping your drumming feel stronger, deeper, and more alive.

Wellness Focus: Embodiment, strength with ease, rhythmic vitality

🌱 Course Throughline

Across all three chapters, Kita Soli is approached not as a collection of exercises, but as a living rhythm that grows with you. Each layer builds naturally on the last, encouraging patience, presence, and trust in the process.

By the end of the course, you’ll have:

• stronger technique

• clearer sound

• deeper rhythmic awareness

• and a confident, grounded relationship to the drum

🌍 Origin of Kita Soli

Kita is a culturally rich town in western Mali, located in the Kayes Region. It plays a significant role in Mandé musical traditions, which have shaped West African music.

🏛️ Cultural Significance

• Famous for its griot traditions and oral storytelling.

• A hub for traditional drumming and musical heritage.

🌾 Geography & Economy

• Located in a savanna region where farming is central.

• Major crops include peanuts, cotton, and millet.

💃 Music & Dance

• Traditional drumming is vital in ceremonies, rites of passage, and celebrations.

• Rhythms like Kita Soli hold deep cultural significance.

💪 Origin & Meaning

• "Soli" rhythms are used in coming-of-age rites for young men.

• The Kita region has its own distinct version of this rhythm.

🎼 Musical Characteristics

• Time Signature – Typically 4/4

• Tempo & Feel – High-energy, driving rhythm for intense dancing.

• Djembe & Dundun Parts – Interlocking patterns on Kenkeni, Sangban, and Dununba, with the djembe leading.

This journey is just the beginning! With continued practice, you’ll unlock even greater musical expression, deepening your connection to rhythm, self, and community.

🚀 Let’s embark on this rhythmic adventure together!