About Us
Tuza and Simon founded Ekomé Tours in 2000 with a vision of forming a cross cultural exchange for people all over the world. Ekomé means “Unity” or “One” in the Ga language and underpins the ethos of this cross cultural exchange.
Founder of Melbourne based African Drumming: Centre for West African Music and Culture —
Simon Fraser has been studying, performing, recording and teaching throughout West Africa, Europe and Australia since the mid 90's.
Annual trips to the region have opened his heart to the subtleties and intensities of its’ music. His experiences with The Senegalese Ballet, Percussion de Guinea, Mali Ballet, and Ghana’s Kusun Ensemble and Wala have seen him collaborate with some of West Africa’s finest musicians. Simon's percussive skills and knowledge of all forms of traditional West African music is highly respected.
As a renowned freelance percussionist , Simon's diverse tastes have seen him work and record with Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter, Hip Hop artist Nfa from "1200 Techniques" and "The Avalanches". He continues to direct his own group Öuaga when in Melbourne.
A spectacular performer and passionate teacher, Tuza has been playing traditional music all his life. As Master Drummer with International Touring groups Kusun Ensemble and Wala, he brings an energy and spirit to his music that is undoubtedly infectious.
Tuza's ascendancy to "Master Drummer" has been of no surprise. A man of rare talent and feel for rhythms, he displays awesome power and phenomenal technique, especially on the Ghanaian drums — Kpalago, Gome, Ewe — and the Royal drums of the Asanti. As master drummer with Teambeat he brings an infectious energy and spirit to his music and has taught hundreds of students from Ghana and Australia. He is renowned for his understanding of the way westerners process African music and is excellent at breaking down traditional compositions so that new students can easily comprehend them.
A natural teacher with a determination to pass on the traditional music and culture of his country, Tuza and his family will welcome you into their village.
Simon and Tuza are supported by enigmatic cultural group "Salaka" — one of Ghana's leading ensembles. Salaka are a group of talented young drummers and dancers who have been trained for many years by Master Drummer Tuza and now share their performance and teaching expertise with tour participants. Tuza began training the members of Salaka when they were very young in order to pass on the traditional music and culture of his country to the next generation. Many of the Salaka team are now recognised International touring artists in their own right.
As Ghana becomes more Western, there is a danger that the beautiful rhythms and dances so important to African music and culture may be lost. In order to preserve this rich heritage, Tuza devoted his energy over many years to Salaka amidst resistance from parents who felt drumming and dancing were unimportant.
Salaka are now a highly esteemed force in their community, performing and teaching for locals and visitors and are proud to pass their knowledge onto the next generation. Many of them are also supporting their parents and extended families through income earned from drumming and dancing, making their parents proud.
Ekomé Tours employs and supports locals to provide all our services and products.