Who We Are
The Bele Bele Rhythm Collective is an intergenerational group of women from DC and surrounding areas who have come together to form a sisterhood of the drum. Founded in 2008 and led by Drumlady Kristen Arant, the BBRC performs tightly sewn compositions of polyrhythms on West African dun-un and djembe drums, complete with exciting breaks, contagious songs, and dancing. The BBRC performs to celebrate unity and diversity, and to spread the joy and healing power of West African drumming to the community at-large.
Notable Venues
The Bele Bele Rhythm Collective has performed at these notable venues:
- The Hamilton (Washington DC)
- The Birchmere (Falls Church VA)
- The New Deal Cafe (Greenbelt MD)
- 202 Arts & Music Festival (DC)
- Women’s National NA Convention (Baltimore MD)
- Baltimore Rhythm Festival (MD)
- World Culture Festival (National Mall)
- Touch Mother Earth Festival (New Jersey)
- Drum n Splash Festival (PA)
- Million Women Drummers Festival (NY)
- The University of Maryland (MD)
- Takoma Park Folk Festival (MD)
- Takoma Park Street Festival (MD)
- NPR Studios (DC)
- WPFW Live @ 5 (DC)
- All Souls Unitarian Church (DC)
Our Sound
Experience the vibrant, soul-stirring sound of the Bele Bele Rhythm Collective, a dynamic group that brings West African drumming to life with electrifying energy. Best experienced live, their powerful performances blend tight polyrhythms, rich vocals, and an unstoppable groove that moves both body and spirit. If you can’t catch them in person, their latest album Roots captures the heart of their music—filled with joyful rhythms and healing beats. Available now on Bandcamp, Roots brings the transformative power of drumming into your everyday life.
Shows and Events
Whatever your event is, we will meet you there and rise to the occasion with performances that are interactive, cultural, energetic, educational, and full of joy and heart!
- Festivals
- Weddings
- Black History Month presentations
- MLK Jr Holiday celebrations
- Kwanzaa celebrations
- Community drum circles
- Parties for all occasions
- Conferences
- Schools (K-12)
- Music Venues
- Universities
- Radio Shows
- Family reunions/gatherings
- Health & Wellness Events
- Activist Events
- Places of Worship
Photos
Stage Plot
Contact
We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in booking the Bele Bele Rhythm Collective for a high-energy performance, organizing an interactive drum circle for your event, or just curious about what we do, we’re excited to connect.