WALA - IS LIFE - West African Drum and Dance Ensemble from Ghana

An explosive powerful show! 12 drums played with hands, feet, sticks, souring vocal harmonies, flutes, and spectacular dancing. Traditional polyrhythmic music repertoire of folk Palm Wine and Ghana Highlife songs with their own original arrangements. 

WALA - IS LIFE, West African Drum and Dance Ensemble from Ghana (West Africa), brings an exciting show to the Castlemaine Fringe Festival of an assortment of drums, rarely seen in Australia giving a unique sound that will keep you dancing and wanting more. WALA means “life”, depicting the breathtaking celebration of their cultural spirit in their performance.

Their repertoire includes traditional polyrhythmic music with Jazz undertone rhythms of Palm Wine and Highlife songs, blended in their original arrangements. WALA is supported by Castlemaine´s local African drumming group, Mamba Negra lead by Gianni Boragine. A show not to be missed!


We look forward to welcoming you to the Theatre Royal.

Bar open from 4pm

Kitchen opens from 5pm - menu (we offer a delicious, fast-paced pizza menu with plenty of indoor/outdoor seating available)

All shows have a small amount of unallocated balcony seating, but are set up as standing room and general admission, unless specifically promoted as a “fully seated show”.

Make sure to visit our Beer Garden (open in the warmer months).

Please note that trains to Melbourne / Kyneton / Bendigo etc usually run post event.  Check the Vline schedule for specific show date