Baba Roots
Bobby Bovenzi | Master Drum Circle Facilitator
Who is Baba Roots?
Bobby Majxe’ William Bovenzi has been a student of ethnic percussion and dance since 1994. He holds a BS in African & Afro-American Studies and an MS in Elementary Education from SUNY Brockport. Bringing music and dance into classrooms and communities is his life’s work.
What can Baba Roots do?
Classes
Learn drumming techniques and traditional West African Rhythms on Djembe and Dunun stick drums. Drop-ins welcome! Drums available for use free of charge.
School Assemblies
Guide your school through a rhythmic journey in which every person present has an active role. Groups will learn & perform poly rhythms on drums to enforce geography, unity and cultural acceptance. (45min-90min)
Performances
Looking for an incredible addition to your next festival, concert, or showcase? Look no further than Baba Roots and the Nankama Drum & Dance Troupe!
In-School Residencies
Bobby’s teaching mastery will ignite your school for up to a week full of rhythm games, cultural appreciation, teamwork and Jam Camp-style fun! Allow even the shyest child the opportunity to be showcased with confidence.
Private Events
Make your next work retreat, sorority event, or private party one to remember! We’ll supply the instruments; you supply the participants!
Pro-D Days
Baba Roots offers a unique training opportunity that assists music teachers and dance teachers in developing a professional quality traveling cultural ensemble that will delight and engage the entire community!
Upcoming Events
July 2025
3rd, 7:00pm: Nankama Drum & Dance performance and drum circle @ Frog City Cafe, 351 Linden Ave, Kaleden 🎵
5th: [Private Event] Nankama Drum & Dance performance and drum circle @ Richter Pass Beach Resort 🎵
8th: 10am Peachland Library Drum Circle 🥁
9th:5-7pm Wondering Coyote Drum Circle $10, kids free
11th: 2:00pm Angus Assisted Living 🥁
13th-18th: Jam Camp on the River 🏕️
22nd:6:30-7:30 Okanagan Falls Library Drum Circle 🥁
23rd:6:30-8 Hotel Park in Kaleden 🥁
29th: 6:45-7:45 Summerland Library Drum Circle 🥁
August 2025
6th, 6:30pm: Music in the Park - Drum & Dance
performance and drum circle @ Summerland Memorial Park 🎵
6th-8th: Peach Fest Kid Zone Drum Circle (Time TBD) 🎪
10th-15th: Jam Camp on the Island 🏝️
16th-17th: Vancouver Island Drum and Marimba Worksops Royston, BC.
Weekly Classes
Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm $20: Weekly Nankama Drum & Dance rehearsal classes @ Concordia Lutheran Gym, 2800 S Main, Penticton
* Wednesday 4/16
April 24
May 8, 15, 22, 29
June 5, 12, 19, 26
July 10, 24, 31
August
"On the weekend of August 16-17 at the Royston Community Hall you will have another amazing opportunity to participate in workshops led by two incredible musicians, Robin Layne and Bobby Bovenzi.
Bobby and Robin have put together an awesome program of marimba, djembe, duns, dance moves and more! This unique combination of workshops and artists makes for an exciting weekend indeed....
Saturday: Marimba 10 am - 12 noon, lunch, Drumming 1 - 3 pm
Sunday: Marimba 11 am - 1 pm, break, Drumming 2 - 4 pm followed by jam/circle & finger food potluck 4:30 - 6 pm ish
Class size limited to 12 for marimba workshops (so register early); no limit for drumming workshops (but please indicate whether you have your own djembe/dun when registering).
Dununs, Djembes and Marimbas are available for no extra fee.
Cost: One workshop $40, each additional workshop $30