Raï in the Pocket: Algerian Grooves and Rhythms 7pm-8:30pm, Tuesday October 6th, 2026 Brooklyn Music School - 126 St Felix St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

We are psyched to announce this special workshop led by one of Algeria’s leading Raï drummers, Rabah Hadjal.

In this workshop, participants will explore how to play Raï music on the derbouka and other percussion instruments, including congas, tambourine, bendir, and guellal. Participants are welcome to bring their own drum or percussion instrument, and any type of drum is welcome. Participants will learn the basic rhythms, techniques, and grooves that give Raï its distinctive feel through demonstrations, and playing together as a group. No previous experience is required.

Rabah Hadjal is an Algerian percussionist and drummer from Algiers, specializing in derbouka, bendir, guellal, and drums, playing Algerian traditional music with a focus on Raï and North African music more broadly. With more than 20 years behind the instrument and over 10 years as a professional, he has become one of Algeria’s leading Raï drummers. He has performed on Coke Studio Algeria, played alongside some of Algeria’s biggest artists, including Cheb Mami, and built a reputation as a trusted session drummer on national TV music shows. Having played nearly every major stage and festival in Algeria, he now tours with the band El Dey and serves as Mouh Milano’s leading drummer, one of the most-viewed Arabic artists with over a billion views. He has toured both nationally and internationally, sharing Algerian and North African rhythms with audiences around the world.

-- BK Maqam's Fall 2026 Educational season is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the New York State Legislature and administered by Brooklyn Arts Council.