Who we Are

Headshot of Simone Lang with her dog

Simone Lang - lead djembe

Simone has been enjoying a life of djembe and dunun musical exploration since the late 90’s. She started drummergirl in 2007 and has been educating people in djembe and dunun rhythms as her profession ever since.

Her passion is inspiring others, especially women, to drum. Her inspiration is YOU - her students!

She has sparkle, she has joy, and she has shine. You want to watch. You want to listen. You want to drum with her and be a part of it. You want to learn more. You want to know more!

Simone has studied with some of West Africa’s finest exponents of the tradition including Mohamed ‘Bangourake (BK)’ Bangoura, Lamine ‘Lopez’ Soumah of Percussion de Guinee, Mamady Keita, Famoudou Konate, Babara Bangoura, and Fara Tolno. She has travelled to the countries of Guinea, Senegal and The Gambia to study and absorb West African drumming whilst being immersed in the community and culture.

She has the skills, the knowing, and the integrity. She is committed to the preservation and dissemination of traditional and contemporary djembe rhythms.

Simone is wholeheartedly grateful for all that co-create and engage with her around the djembe and dunun, whether online at drumwithSimone.com or in-person with drummergirl.

mitzi mcrae dancing

Mitzi McRae - dancer & drummer

I dare you to watch Mitzi dance and not feel a buzz. She has studied West African dance for over 15 years and has travelled to Africa (Ghana, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Senegal, Gambia and Mali) many times and also to Europe and the United States to further her knowledge by learning from the Masters. She is a natural at teaching African dance and has been doing so for more than 15 years. Mitzi has developed a unique style and she creates a relaxed and open environment which is cherished by her students. She vibes up any group that she works with.

Mitzi has been hailed as one the best Australian-born dancers and captures the energy, vitality, joy, and strength of the West African dance style. Many of her students have been attending classes for as long as she has been teaching! Proof of her awesomeness right there.

Zara Lawson - dunun player

Zara is our lead dunun player and giggle provider and whilst she has only been at it for a few years, she can hold her own and keep a driving beat for as long as is needed.

She started drumming during COVID and has not stopped since. She has completely fallen in love with the stick drums. Standing behind the duns is her happy place and she loves the connection with others, and grounding that group drumming brings.