ADAMA
Afrikan Dance,
Music & Arts
Festival
come as you are.Save the date: Sat Nov 28 & Sun Nov 29, 2026
Drums · Dance · Voice · Art · Community · All ages
You are not an attendee. You are a co-creator.
For one weekend in Nelson we gather to drum, dance and share stories rooted in African diaspora traditions. Teens to elders, first-timers to seasoned dancers. Come as you are. You do not have to be good. You only have to show up.
Move
Workshops from beginner to curious-and-brave: Brazilian rhythm, West African dance and a masterclass.
Listen
Live drums, a guest selector who also plays piano, and a Saturday party that wraps by 10 PM.
Belong
Small rooms, about 60 people at a time. A closing circle where everyone ends up in the same room.
Two days. Four moments.
Drums x Boxing
Shadow-boxing to live drums with the djembe circle. No gloves, no experience, just rhythm and footwork. Location announced soon.
The Sunset Party
A listening party with a guest selector at the decks and a surprise piano guest. Dance, sit, or do both. Guests announced soon.
Workshop Sunday
Pick your sessions: a masterclass with Ivan Touko, a Brazilian community workshop, West African drumming, and more. Full schedule announced soon.
Closing circle
Everyone, together, as the sun goes down.
Built by artists, grassroots enthusiasts, organizers with local spaces.
Civic Dance Centre
Saturday evening party and Sunday workshops, Nelson.
Nelson Boxing Gym
Saturday daytime Drums x Boxing session.
HI! Gallery & Residency
Nelson gallery and artist residency.
Ivan Touko
Movement artist and facilitator. Leads the masterclass and the Brazilian workshop.
Led by Ivan with three guest artists or groups - announced soon.
About 60 people at a time.
Whole-day passes that stay affordable, with sliding-scale and youth options. Join the list to hear first, before the public release.
Help ADAMA exist.
No classic sponsor wall. We invite people and businesses to walk with us, and we put your name and story into the weekend.
Questions, answered.
Do I need experience?
No. Every session is beginner-friendly.
Can kids come?
Teens and families are welcome. Age details for each session come with the schedule.
What do I wear?
Comfortable clothes you can move in, and water.
Accessibility
Questions about access? Write to us and we will help you plan.