KIKO Residency - 4-10 July 2027

A very intensive one-on-one djembe residency with Kiko Bento in rural Portugal. Only one participant is accepted each week - this is not a group workshop and not a fixed curriculum. The week is tailored to your level, no prior experience required.

Dates and place

• Arrival Sunday 4 July 2027, departure Saturday 10 July 2027
• Quiet rural setting near Pombal, central Portugal
• Private, independent living area in the house and compound where Kiko lives and works

What you drum

• Sound and technique
• Traditional djembe rhythms
• Dunun parts and ensemble relationships
• Solo phrases and solo chains
• Call and response
• Isolated technical exercises
• Repetition and endurance
• Timing and groove
• Improvisation
• Musical interaction

A day in the week

• 08:00 Gym (optional)
• 10:00 Breakfast
• 11:00 Drumming session I (2.5 h)
• 14:00 Lunch
• 15:00 Drumming session II (2.5 h)
• 18:00 Meditation (optional)
• 19:00 Dinner

Only the two drumming sessions are required: 5 hours a day, 25 hours of private one-on-one instruction over five core days.

Price: 1,250 EUR

• 25 hours of private one-on-one djembe instruction
• Private accommodation
• Three vegetarian meals a day
• Gym access
• Djembe and percussion equipment (or bring your own)
• Local transportation during the residency
• Pickup and drop-off at Pombal station

Not included: flights, travel to Portugal and transport to Pombal.

Who it is for

Serious djembe players who want concentrated one-on-one attention and are comfortable with repetition and intensive practice. Not for a holiday, casual workshops, social group learning or luxury accommodation.

How to apply

• Submit the short application form
• Your application is personally reviewed
• If accepted you receive dates and payment details
• A deposit secures your week

A small non-refundable deposit secures your spot and the balance is due before arrival. Cancel 14+ days before arrival for one reschedule subject to availability; less than 14 days, no-show or early departure means no refund.

Apply: https://forms.gle/34QHN8wbXDW19E4Q7. Details: https://residency.kikobento.com/. Questions: residency@kikobento.com.