Free
TicketsEvent Description
SPECIAL PENCHMI EDITION: DRUM ACTIVATION NEW YEAR'S EVE AT PICCADILLY CIRCUS
Dembis Thioung calls the Penchmi Village — and anyone who feels aligned— to gather, drum and bless the city of London as we welcome the New Year.
WHY PICCADILLY CIRCUS?
As London gathers to celebrate, Dembis Thioungs summons Penchmi energies right at the heart of the city — offering activating drums, love and prayer for everyone around.
Surrounded by theatres, shops, and nightlife, Piccadilly Circus has become a symbol of London’s vibrant energy. It sits at one of the city’s busiest crossroads, linking Piccadilly, Regent Street, Shaftesbury Avenue and more. The bright billboards have earned it the nickname, London’s Times Square.
At the center stands the statue commonly called Eros — in truth, inspired by Anteros (Cupid) — representing love in all its forms: desire, passion, devotion, generosity and mutual care. It is a meeting point, a beacon and a reminder of the Power of Love.
WHAT IS PENCHMI?
The word Penchmi ( in Senegalese Wolof is written “Penthmi)” is the word we use to describe the gathering of the ancestors, timeless/spaceless, as well as the gathering of the elders of the traditional Senegalese villages, in the center of the community under a baobab tree, to discuss all matters of life, freedom and peace, but most of all to remind us of the LOVE and RESPECT shared amongst each other.
Dembis Thioung created PENCHMI: THE AFRICAN DRUM + DANCE + CHANT PORTAL a space for community connection and spiritual exploration through the ancestral technologies of traditional African drums (dundun, djembe, asiko, calabash, sabar, khine), ancestral rhythms, movement and sound. These sessions are hosted by the Senegalese most respected cultural value, the “Teranga”: the act to share and support each other always in happiness. Its core virtue is to measure wealth and abundance not for how much we have, but for how much we share and give to others. The “teranga” it’s the essence of the Senegalese culture.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THIS PENCHMI DRUM ACTIVATION?
A deep, long-lasting boost of vital energy
Enhanced mental and physical well-being, focus and inner clarity
A peaceful sensation of synchronization with nature’s rhythms
Euphoria, a sense of belonging and collective unity
A powerful moment of ancestral remembrance — reconnecting with your roots, your ancestors, your purpose and your power
WHO IS DEMBIS THIOUNG?
Dembis Thioung, Griot & Laube by blood and Baye Fall at heart, is a mesmerizing keeper of ancestral West African rhythms and a creator of new ones. A Senegalese master drum-maker, percussionist, educator, and community gatekeeper, he specializes in the powerful ancestral technology of Dundun, Djembe, Sabar, and Asico drums, bridging tradition and innovation through his artistry.
Dembis Thioung, is a mesmerizing master of the dunduns - the melodic and hypnotic West African bass drums. The traditional West African Dundun, are a set of three double sided drums hit with sticks made by wood and cowskin that make up the HEARTBEAT, the MELODY and the SOUL of traditional West African ensemble djembe music.
In the UK since 2010, Dembis has collaborated with artists and companies across Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean. Based in North West London, he is the founder of PENCHMI: the African Drum + Dance + Chant Portal, where he creates spaces for community connection and spiritual exploration. Lead member of BENE TALLY BAND & friends, he summons a collective of artists and a selection of the Penchmi dundunfolas, bringing the magic rhythms and the spirit of Africa to stages. He is also known for his GRIOT+BAYEFALL DRUM BLESSING, a solo act that blends rhythm, spirituality, and storytelling. This has opened & closed ceremonies, and has performed at the Soho House, Cafe Oto, Peckham Levels, Jamboree and Dalston Curve Gardens. He recently successfully launched PENCHMI IN SENEGAL, his first cultural trip to Dakar, offering students an immersive journey into the heart, spirit, and ancestral roots of Dembis Thioung; and he successfully completed PENCHMI portals: PENCHMI IN GLASTONBURY a 3 day camp festival in the Crops Not Shops fields, inviting drum world families together in sacred English land, PENCHMI IN STONEHENGE during Summer & Winter Solstices and now PENCHMI IN PICCADILLY CIRCUS.
You can find more information on his website: www.dembisthioung.com
WHAT IS THE PLAN?
We will create a WhatsApp group for everyone who wants to align with us for the NYE celebration. The group will be closed after the event. We will send details of where to meet up and where we will be based on the day. You are responsible for organizing your own transport. We will contact you via email sending you a link to join the Whatsapp group once you’ve booked your free ticket (donations & contributions welcomed). If you haven't received it, please DM 07786005306.If you are planning to drive, there is no Congestion Charge in central London from Xmas to New Year's Day. Parking is available free around the are from 6.30pm
TfL services will be running throughout the night on New Year's Eve. Services in central London will be busy and some stations may be closed at short notice or at busy times to prevent overcrowding. Some bus services in central London will also be on diversion due to road closures from approximately mid-day.
WHAT TO BRING?
Participants are encouraged to bring their own drum and stool. A limited number of drums will be available for hire. Please contact us in advance if you need one (whatsapp: 07786005306; email: dembis.thioung@gmail.com).Warm, comfortable clothing and light packing. Bring nourishing food & drinks to share.
ENERGY EXCHANGE
FREE FOR ALL
Donations & Contributions are welcomed.
STAY IN TOUCH
Join our DUNDUN WOOD VILLAGE whatsapp group chat here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CJkAcvfpWxqAeHW3piBSk9
Instagram: @dembisthioung
Facebook: Dembis Thioung Page
Youtube: Dembis Thioung
Email: dembis.thioung@gmail.com
Website: www.dembisthioung.com
Refund Policy
AfroMoya fees are not refundable.
