Amanda Pickering has been studying, performing and teaching djembe and dunun for the past eighteen years, training in the UK, Germany, Gambia, Senegal and Guinea, with some of the greatest Malinke teachers in the world, including Famoudou Konate, Mamady Keita, Seckou Keita and Abdoulaye Camara. Having first served her 'apprenticeship' as a community musician with Dadadrum in Oxfordshire. Amanda taught for Warwickshire Music Service and Coventry Performing Arts Service for several years, before setting up BoumBoum to share her passion for West African rhythm and culture. She was also a founder member of the Midlands samba band, Sambassadors of Groove, with whom she trained and performed.

Amanda moved back to Cornwall in 2003, and has now established BoumBoum as a lead organisation for West African music in the South West. She has worked for the past five years as Music Development Worker for Humphry Davy Specialist School and Community Music College in Penzance, and is a member of Cornwall Music Forum.

All BoumBoum workshop leaders carry current CRB clearance and up to date public liability insurance.