The origin of the Conga drums and procession lies in the Afro-Cuban Kongo music of the 19th century. The Spanish colonists often referred to African slaves as Kongo - meaning from the Congo, although the tribal associations of the slaves and their descendants were far more complex and often retain a hold on their descendants in Cuba to this day. Kongo music incorporated the use of Yuka drums made by hollowing out tree trunk sections of various sizes and nailing on cowhide heads. These Kongo, or Conga drums were increasingly found alongside Spanish instruments such as the guitar used by the campesinos, small Spanish farmers, in traditional Son music. This became fused with Jazz to form the syncopated sound of Salsa. The Conga drums also became a central part of the carnival procession in Santiago de Cuba, leading to the now famous Conga line. The Conga procession has become a colourful fixture of Carnival de Cuba. Children are welcome to come to our free Carnival workshop and join in the procession. We also run a carnival educational initiatives in Southwark schools in co-operation with Southwark council with local children making costumes and becoming an integral part of the procession.