Rustlers Valley in the Free State is well known for its annual Rustlers Festival but Rustlers Valley Mountain Lodge regularly offers arts-related workshops as well as spiritual retreat at its Marimba House. In September, the venue will host two workshops by Ghanaian master drummer Emmanuel Gomado who is the artistic director of the Odehe Dance Company in Accra.

Emmanual Gomado has travelled extensively around the world performing and teaching. He has also undertaken research into drumming and dancing around the various regions of Ghana, as well as in other countries in Africa and has done much valuable work in introducing handicapped persons to the spiritual power of movement and rhythm. He is also the director of the Odehe Center in Teshie outside Accra that teaches traditional African drumming and dancing to both Ghanaians and foreigners and organises traditional cultural tours and workshops.

Prices of the Rustlers Valley drumming workshops include entrance to the Spring Equinox Festival from September 24 to 26 in which Emmanuel Gomado, Asazi and workshop participants will perform. The three-day workshop (September 17 to 19) is R250, while the five-day workshop (September 20 to 24) is R350 or participants may attend both workshops at a cost of R600. Food and accommodation is extra. The restaurant serves food at reasonable prices but participants may bring their own. The Mountain Lodge has a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets from camping (R10pp/day) and dormitory (R30pp/day) to private rooms (from R120-R300/day). Booking is essential and will only be confirmed once deposits have been received. Contact Niyan at Tel/Fax (051) 933-3939 or e-mail wemad@rustlers.co.za