Chief Seattle's Reply

spirit of the great heart

Spirituality behind the drum

This Sunday at our drumming circle there was an excellent turn out! More so, Ala taught us about each rhythm, its history and beliefs behind djembe drumming. I would really have to take a note pad and pen with me next time but I do insist that you come and join us! There is so much to learn about Djembe. See, when you drum, you start to become aware of things that would not even be a thought before. For example seeing how important nature is. Having respect for living creatures. Since I have started drumming I have noticed extreme changes in my own view points, good changes. I now see the uglyness of mass production in meat! I see water as a precious gift and how important it is to bless it and look after it. The world is crumbling down, the earth is in need of someone to stand up for it. We need to think of future generations. I don't want to preach, that's not my job but there is something that has changed within me for the better. I certainly was not who I am now a year ago. I guess we all continually change but Djembe has brought a great gift to me, eyes that see and understand that this earth is free for all. The water we drink should be free and not abused. There I go rambling again. I still have much to learn.

I do encourage you to try it, it is very relaxing. I am waiting on the spiritual aspect of drumming, their names etc. But Ala has difficulty emailing me as he comes from a very poor area without internet so he is unable to give me that info however I will do some research and upload it in time. There are specific rhythms that have meaning. Djembe was used 500 years ago as a method of communication but through history, as we delve into it, Djembe is more than just communicating. It is a method built on team work. Togetherness, Oneness, Love, Peace, Respect, Honour and so much more that it would take me days to research and being a working mom, I am juggling it but I promise within the next week or two to really bring more detail to what I have said.

Happy Drumming, You are important, remember that!

Fun Walk

There is a fun walk on the 3rd of September. It is a walk to raise funds for Pietermaritzburg Assist. They are a non profit organization aimed to educate Hiv mothers and they look after orphaned babies. The walk starts at 10am from Moyos at Eden on the Bay and we walk to dolphin beach. For more info click the link below.

CAPE TOWN FUN WALK EVENT

Lets come together and make a change! You also stand a chance to win a meal for two at Gold Restaurant prize valued at R670.00! So come and have some fun and help make a difference!

20 Steps to a Beautiful South Africa

1. We unite

2. We cut out westernization - don't cut out the people, allow yourself to share!

3. We depend solely on the natural

4. We plant hemp and let nature do its thing

5. We regain truth and respect all living things

6. We come against the false,we object the world and it's indoctrination, we become tribal, following our gut at all times

7. We love and appreciate a simplistic life and love God and its creation

8. We honour all things especially each other

9. We protect the weak and the needy

10. We turn the rubbish called television off and we create music together

11. We fight the good fight of faith, never surrender

12. Cut all ties with external forces and make our nation stronger

13. We use only South African resources, businesses and farmers

14. We stop using oil and boycott such sources anything that kills the life called water!!!!

15. We clean with natural substances, we rebuke man made things

16. We respect the water and share it freely, we respect water! We bless it.

17. We work together in unity and stand together in unity

18. We do what we can do to help one another freely

19. We love creation and have respect for the lives we take prior to eating

20. Self sustainability

If you hear these things and follow these things, Africa will be the safest, most nurturing land for ALL. We are One!

By Davida Stephanie Westman

Misty in Roots

Lyrics | Misty In Roots lyrics - Poor And Needy lyrics

Songs make you feel better!

excellent quotes

To truly find God, truth needs to be found independently from the opinions of others. The truth has to be found in our hearts.

--A.H.Almaas

If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.
-Vincent Van Gogh

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
-Mahatma Gandhi

Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got a hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.
-George Bernard Shaw

Tough times never last, but tough people do.
-Dr. Robert Schuller

We do not sing because we are happy, we are happy because we sing.
-William James

Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

 When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.
-John Ruskin

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.
-Albert Einstein

WATCHDEELEARN: Desiderata

WATCHDEELEARN: Desiderata: "G o placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on goo..."

WATCHDEELEARN: What your child needs to hear from you.

WATCHDEELEARN: What your child needs to hear from you.: "The other day my son said something magnificent: Quotes from Travis Westman (my 9yr old son) 'Mom, look here, I am the first person to jum..."

just like the book I'm writing, inspiring!

Redemption Song

One of my favourite songs!

Team Spirit

Drumming on Sunday with Team Spirit and Ala :)

invigorated!

On Sunday I was very chuffed to have my son babysat and finally we went drumming again. Ala and Team Spirit band were there. The new venue took my breath away. It does need a woman's touch but I was very pleased that life handed something beautiful to Ala and Team Spirit. I always say it was the best drumming ever but this time, it really was the best. I get emotional just thinking about it.

The new venue 88 Shortmarket street is actually the Platinum lounge. There are lounges and comfy couches. There is a bar area, toilets, cozy setting and really great atmosphere! I loved every little second and have so much gratitude for it. Team Spirit sang and danced. They are fantastic for wedding functions and I would love to see them on stage! Seriously great musicians with heart! I feel lucky and honoured to be in their presence.

I highly recommend that you join us on Sundays. It prepares you for the week ahead! You'll love it!

I must get a better camera, apologies for the poor photography!

Facebook Page

Visit Ala's facebook Page: click here

Yours in Djembe
Davida - aka Dee :)

A very smart kid!

Sunday Bliss

Every Sunday between 2 and 5 pm, come join us at 88 shortmarket street Cape Town ! All Welcome!

a form of meditation

Djembe is a definite method to meditation. Your Chi, your energy, djembe allows you to connect to what is around you. Growing up, I had many issues. I have really become aware of my inner self since drumming. Self acceptance, finding beauty in everyone, this is just a part of it.

There are three main areas of drumming that you need to know and anyone can drum, even if you think you don't have rhythm, trust me, that rhythm is inside of you!
- the Tone, the Base and the Slap are the three main instances of drumming. Base in the middle of the drum with your right hand if you are right handed. Tone and slap on the edge of the drum.

Tone is high pitched. The base is a deep sound. The slap is the most difficult, I haven't got it yet! It is a short sharp and very loud tone. You hit the edge of the drum hard. This is going to take some time and you will not learn this over night but you can try and practice.

The beauty of these three tones is that you can mix them up to make a great rhythm. Many different sounds come from three tones.

For example: Djembe rhythm is 1 base - 4 tone - 1 base - 5 tone repeatedly.

When repeating same stroke/sequence, you eventually start working both parts of your brain and this regular exercise is a great way to meditate. You will not notice it but your brain will be in alpha state. Alpha state as I have said before is when your whole self is completely relaxed. I know I need relaxation.

There are many helpful websites and videos on utube that you can watch in order to learn the basic rhythms. Develop a relationship with your drum. Play it regularly to know where the best tone, base and slap is on your drum. Have it tuned every now and then. Most importantly Enjoy it, smile. It's not serious, it's beautiful!

Enjoy
x
Davida

Drum and Fire Festival

Location: Coffee Bay, Transkei

Time: ‎4:00PM Friday, July 29th

find the event on Facebook 

I am going, I don't know how but I am not going to miss this event!

Cloudy Vision

Yesterday I had an appointment in town. I wear contact lenses and half way through driving I noticed that my vision was very blurry. I could hardly see. I thought to myself, "did I suddenly go blind?" Then I came to the conclusion that my contacts lenses must be in incorrectly. I had a three hour appointment and went through the entire appointment with very little eye sight. I managed to drive home safely and as soon as I got home I took the contact lenses off and put my glasses on. I could see! I was not going blind BUT silly me realised that I had put my husband's contact lenses on instead of mine. A real brunette's blonde moment!

I suddenly had a little thought to myself which made a lot of sense. When you have someone else's vision for your life, your vision will be cloudy. If you see life through the lens of someone else, you will be miserable and unable to see your life clearly. When you see life through your own lens, your own vision, every step you take is one step greater to being on the road you should be on. The opinions of people can withdraw you from being you. The ideas and visions for your life should really be your own and you should not care what anyone thinks. Some of the greatest results driven people are the ones who see life through their own eyes, their own heart and their own mind!

I have many ideas that people will disagree with. My own family won't agree with my dreams. You might be thought of as crazy but is that so bad? I would rather live the life that is mine than live up to the expectations of mankind. What a sad life it is to have cloudy vision and to live up to the expectations of people, family and friends. Let me tell you, it is difficult to see with someone else's contact lens. My eyes were sore afterwards and I had a little head ache. The thing is, to live with someone else's plan for your life will have far worse side effects. Sadness, depression and lack of purpose will be the general feeling to walk in the shoes of someone else. 

I hope that this article has made some sense. When you have clear vision, you can see where you are going. The pieces to the puzzle come together because you can see clearly. Don't allow people to cloud your vision, your hopes or your dreams!

A Deeper Meaning

I went drumming yesterday and half way through the drumming for the very first time, I walked out quite upset. I wasn't upset because of the drumming, I was upset about this blog. I haven't fully focused on Djembe and how it is to me personally. I don't represent Ala, I try to market him freely because I believe in is teaching capabilities and I believe in Djembe. The thing is, I haven't let you know what Djembe has done for me. I don't like spiritual things but a lot of these things have been happening to me, I believe it is because I have become more aware of my surroundings thanks to being in Alpha State.

Time to really dig deep don't you think!

I'm not all knowledgeable, I don't know anyone in the group so when I speak now, I don't really speak on behalf of anyone except myself. Maybe they will agree with me, maybe they won't but this is Me, not them. This blog is my blog and it's about me and djembe. It's a personal thing for me! I have to stress that I am not Ala's manager or his sales person, just in case any of you think that. I want you to experience his drum circle because it's benefited me and my life so much! So let's begin...

Djembe master in my point of view is getting back into your natural flow of rhythm. Today we have cell phones and those invisible waves that screw up our natural rhythm. Today we have microwaves, that also screws up our natural rhythm. Technology has made us stressed, wired, tired and emotional. We need to get back to our roots and who we are as people because all in all, I know I have lost myself in work, priorities and chores. I know I need to reestablish who I am as a person and allow myself the freedom to be me. I need the freedom to relax and love people. What Djembe does is it brings you back to your rhythm and makes you more aware of what is around you. You become a master of your own life. The spirit allows you to heal. Each beat is a beat from the heart and in that is a healing unexplainable!

I am deaf in my right ear. I never accepted myself as a person. I never truly embraced who I was until recently. I never embraced my full name which is Davida. For years I have called myself Dee but now I know the importance of the name I have been given and I am aware of my place in this world. I don't know if all the credit goes to djembe but I have never seen so much improvement in myself as a person. I still have lot to learn but there is definitely something about djembe that has helped me. 

First of all I realize that I run away easily from problems, issues, hurts, pain, anger but these days I embrace every single issue in my life and I know there is nothing that is random. Since djembe, I have been called many weird things, some have said I'm psychic (no I'm not, I follow my gut, my inner voice always). I have also had many weird encounters where a stranger came up to me and asked, "what is wealth?" and i replied, "you are already wealthy" and he walked off smiling leaving me really puzzled. Yet a week later, I experienced major burn out because I am in the corporate world and I was working so hard for money when all the wealth was right in front of me! Money is not wealth! It's something I have to continually remember. So for me, Djembe has become somewhat of a spiritual journey, a journey of self discovery, learning where I am weak, embracing who I am, as I am and learning to love unconditionally!  We are all masters of our own lives. We should all respect eachothers cultures, beliefs and emotions. We are one. One drummer and to me, that is what it is about. The sooner we make other people the primary focus of our lives, everything falls into place. As soon as we shut out the outer noise and make our own noise, life begins! Don't listen to outer voices, make your rhythm known and believe in who you are as a person. I don't worship my drum but I do worship my maker and in that, I worship how He sees people and life. I don't see the world through my eyes but I am open to the plans that this universe has for me. I know without a doubt in my heart that me falling in love with djembe drumming was not a random accident, it is my instrument. My love for music isn't random, it is my soul that yearns for it and I know that in music is life!

Deep hey.. lol.. I don't like to even talk about my feelings but it is my truth. Vulnerability is inevitable when you are truthful and it's okay! I still have much to learn but I am absorbing life and embracing everything that is in it! We are all djembefolas, if we allow it! Now I know, I am the voice that can make a change in this world! It is my responsibility to be the change! Now wonder my rhythm has improved so much! I am aware :)

I decreased some of my work load again so rededicate myself to my family and friends. I trust! That is something that I have never been able to really do, thanks to meditation through rhythm I can really see the issues holding me back from real life. I won't be remembered for my corporate life but I will be remembered for my love! I'd rather love than store riches! I am thankful and grateful for everything in my life right now! I don't care what people think, I find that awesome! Bring on the rhythm!

no drumming in a looong time

It has been a while since I drummed, 4 whole weeks. I really miss it and can feel the impact of not drumming. However in the break from it where I my stress levels built up to an extreme level, I had to re look and re-evaluate some of my life and simplify things. So in the end, it was almost as if i needed to break free from some issues in my life.

Life is about balance and if you are out of balance it will show!

I am really hoping that it doesn't rain this Saturday! Last week I missed drumming because my car boot broke. We had driven all the way to town and as we got to town my boot broke. To think how much I have actually learned in terms of rhythm. My husband who has two left feet all of a sudden has rhythm. The health benefits are amazing. Just googling the benefits of drumming has me amazed. I can see why my emotions have built up so much without the drumming. I will go drumming this Saturday, let there be sunshine on that day!

If you have any questions about drumming, then please feel free to ask or email. Ala has a facebook page and he is on facebook. Look for Abdul Ala and you will find him.

This saturday Rocked!

Saturday was more unusual than most. The cops arrived to tell us we can't drum outside without having a permit. We went inside Ala's little shop where he sells his drums, it was cozy! We played new rhythms and it truly was the best one yet!

just letting you know we do corporate funtions, team building, weddings and parties! Ala is available to teach in groups and privately! Don't hesitate to email me should you have any queries. He has awesome drums that he sells at the most reasonable prices!

Drumming has proved to help people who suffer from autism,, difficulties with memory and a range of other illnesses, I will go into that in further detail later when I have some time to really dig deep into the benefits of drumming. I'm working non stop over the next two weeks so the blogging has taken a bit of a back seat but I'll be back in full swing soon! Happy Drumming!

Yours in Djembe,

Dee

holiday advice you can trust

I have been in contact with a few tourists who visit Cape Town and South Africa and I have found that people due to not knowing the country find themselves getting ripped off by some people just because travellers don't know any better.

Should you need advice on where to go, what to do, how to book or if you need me to do that for you - I can! It's nice to know someone on the other side of the world that you can trust when you visit Cape Town or South Africa as a whole. I know many people in the travel industry that can assist you on your travels.  Should you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me Click Here and I will gladly assist you on your travels. We have a beautiful country with so much to see. If you have a budget, I can help organise where you can go with your budget. If you are able to really go all out, I know exactly what spots have wireless internet facilities and top class decor.

Enjoy your stay and explore as much as you can! Let me assist you!

missing the drumming

I haven't been drumming for 2 weeks now. I'm starting to have serious withdrawal symptoms! All good though as balance is everything and I do drum at home. The thing is drumming with a group is so much fun! Hope to be there this week.

A lovely lady joined our group one week end. She was on holiday from the UK . Lynn loved the drumming session, I am so very happy she joined us! I feel inspired every time I meet someone who has the same love for this instrument! Djembe drumming Rocks. Below is a picture that Lynn had taken. Thanks for the picture Lynn and we hope to meet again and see you in Cape Town soon! x

And We are on U-Tube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzTTFx-9cNg

a rhythm that lasts 600 years

I had enjoyed drumming on friday with my family. My uncle plays guitar and the whole family were playing guitars and drumming and singing to some fantastic songs. We sung 'redemption song' from Bob Marley. Wow!! It was certainly unforgettable! It is amazing how music stirs the soul and unites people. No matter what race you are, no matter what language you speak, no matter the troubles you face - Music allows us all to understand each other. I love it!

On Saturday, I woke up a bit disheartened. I have been tired, over worked but happy and positive at the same time. In essence I really wanted to go to a party and dance my heart out but my entire inner self felt a deeper need.. rest! I knew the stress this coming week was going to bring me. I stretch myself to such a limit that I really don't know how to slow down. I wish I could clone myself to love everyone around me and do all the things that I want to do but in reality.. i am not a clone and there is only so much a person can do. In my sadness and frustration, my husband suggested that we must go drumming. This is exactly what we did. Sooooo sooo sooo glad we went!

This week is officially our best ever ever ever! We played a rhythm that Ala has been trying to teach us. It is a rhythm that comes from his home country in Ghana. This rhythm is 600 years old! He still said that if we had to go to his town, this is the rhythm. This particular rhythm I have had such difficulty remembering or trying to play it correctly. This Saturday we all got it! Every one of us had it.. and as Ala says," we are all djembefolas!"

To Ala and to the whole circle.. we don't speak in language but we speak through music and my heart is incredibly taken back by each and every one of  you! Thanks for my regular strength! I now have a bit more umph to face my week ahead! and to the really cool rastafarian (don't know your name yet!) I need those incense sticks that you brought with, what a brilliant aroma!

So yes, my week end rocked! Thank you family and thank you friends but most of all thank you Music!

Finally bought my drum

That's it - I did it.. bought a drum.. I plan on buying one drum a month.. I hope to get info on cleaning drums etc soon. Been multi tasking that I barely get a chance to blog but hopefully I'll be updating some serious info about djembe! check out the great links.. all the info you need is there! Happy drumming!

Tone and Slap

We went drumming this week end and I really learnt the difference between tone and slap! Tone is soft, lose fingers where as slap is firm and hard with your fingers together..

This group is amazing and I plan on eventually buying one drum a month from them! I feel calm and ready for the week.. relaxed and focused! If you need to find something fun, to take your mind off every thing, djembe drumming is the thing to do! Looking forward to Saturdays, Always!

Alpha state

Every week when i go drumming i think that it was the best ever but it is like that. Every lesson is better and better. I find that I tend to be a highly strung individual. It takes a lot to get me relaxed but after a drumming session its like I'm in tune with myself. I can tell my body to relax. Djembe drumming is known to lead a person to alpha state and i know this for a fact as for three days after drumming i am blissful and hardly stressed. I love it! Man this is my life, i just wish I'd found it sooner:-) 

 

Here is a link that explains Alpha State in more detail, enjoy - Alpha State  Yours in djembe:) dee

The drumming crowd grows

This might be a while before I blog again but this week end was definitely my best one yet. I finally got the rhythms! So excited!! The crowd is growing at an enormous rate and will have to organize an alternative venue at some stage at the rate we're going :) There was a Japanese film crew filming and tourists taking pictures. It's all pretty surreal! My son played with us and he drummed the djembe for two hours solid, I am very proud of him!

My mother also gave it a try and found it to be quite amazing! So I am going to attempt to upload a video clip.. I am very thankful to the djembe master drummer for teaching his skills. I feel very lucky and honoured to better my skills!

Blame it on the wind

This saturday, the wind blew continuously.. I didn't get to go to the drumming circle :(

I had to take my son to a kiddies party and my attempt at packing boxes was an absolute flop as well. So you can imagine my dissapointment.. I will have to wait a whole week until I drum again.. however, Djembe is popular and I didn't realise the affect it has on many people. We went for lunch at my dad's house and his friend was talking about his Djembe drum and how much he loves it. He didnt' know that we go to drumming circles and we started chatting about it. Before we knew it, he had gone to fetch his drum and I had my little drumming session at my dad's house. His drum has great base!! If you are serious about drumming it is better to get a larger drum.  I really can't wait to make my own drum! The drumming master said that he had made his own and when you build your own drum.. it becomes so personalized. It is a part of you. There is a connection between you and your drum and the base, tone and slap sounds better when it is your own drum!

So anyway, I had my little stress release and even though I am moving house next week end, I will drum! no matter what! unless there is galeforce wind of course!

I will eventually be uploading video clips but all in good time. Rome was not build in a day.. and this blog is only 3 weeks old. Keep visitng :)

And there was Fire..

our fire fighters dedicate their lives to save ours!
They have been fighting over 23 veld fires in the last week!
Well Done to all of the Fire Fighters!
We applaud you!

I know this article is straying from the main topic of this blog but I also know its good to throw in something different in between. This month has been one of the weirdest months I have ever had. Not only am I moving at the end of the month but the place where I currently live was at a high risk of being burnt down. This all happenend last night.

There was a huge fire in the bush about 5 meters from our home. I was at work when I received a call from my brother. He said, "Dee, are you home? are you okay? are you safe?" At first I didn't register why he was asking me all these questions and then he said, "your house looks like it could be on fire, there is smoke everywhere!"

I was panicked, stressed, tired, irritated, upset, fearful.. you name it.. any kind of word that can describe an unhappy emotion, that was me! I phoned my husband and he knew already what I was going to say. He had just arrived home to find smoke everywhere. The complex was filled with  fire fighters everywhere. There must have been at least 40 of them. They had managed to contain the fire! Thank goodness! Our animals were safe, the house was full of ash and it still smells of smoke but we have a roof over our head.

I was amazed how the fire department all worked together! I am very proud of them. They stayed until late last night to make sure the fire was gone. They really worked hard and they deserve a high five or a holiday! I am very grateful and I am sure I speak on behalf of everyone who lives in that area.

So this week end is a tight one.. I cannot afford to miss a Djembe lesson. I have so much happening but I will not miss it. I will have to miss drumming next week because I am moving house so I have to go this week and get all of this stress out of my system. Djembe is so good for that! So yes, as usual this Saturday its drumming time! woohoo!

Sixto Rodriguez

For those of you who haven't heard of Sixto Rodriguez.. .. He is one of my favourite singers of all time! For some reason he isn't as well know in other countries as much as he is well known in South Africa. Us South Africans spread his music around like wild fire! Our children and their children and our great grand children will know his music! He is a legend in this country!

Visit his website to learn more Sugarman . I love his music! The lyrics are amazing. There are no djembe rhythms in his music that I can recall but his words and the tunes are very much up my ally. Ask most South Africans who he is and they can certainly tell you.. a childhood memory.. teenage years of laughter or a reminder of our youth.. I am still young..in my 30's urgh.. but the young and the old both appreciate his music.

His album Cold Fact plays at least twice a week in my home. It's one of those albums that you can't help but sing along as loudly as possible. I sing it loud and proud even though I don't have a good singing voice. Rodriguez Rocks!

What a day

I am working on interviewing our drumming master, Ala, and will be uploading that soon I hope.. This saturday was a really good one for me. I had my best friend join my husband and I for a djembe lesson. This session in particular was a surprise for me because some of the drum rhythms which I previously struggled with seem to be more natural to me now. It goes to show that practice makes perfect.

Djembe Cape Town | Facebook

To Join us on facebook, follow this link: Djembe Cape Town Facebook

If you would like to join the Djembe Cape Town group on facebook please feel free to do so but only if you are passionate about drumming and you live in Cape Town!

Road Trip

Last year was quite a year and I am sure you will agree. Everyone had their light bulb moments and sad moments etc. We made a promise to ourselves to do stuff. We were having a braai one night and I just blurted out, "let's go on a road trip." My husband looked at me in shock.. Djembe does effect me positively.. He said yes and one week later we were on the road. This was during the world cup in July.

We had our road trip music list: Bob Marley, Shakhira, LKJ and a mix of trance.

Our first stop off was Victoria Bay just to view the sights..

Then off we went to plett where we stayed in a place called Forever Resorts. What a cool little spot we had. We watched the soccer that night and then browsed around and decided to visit an elephant park in Plett the next day. We walked with the elephants, touched them and fed them. This was a very surreal experience. They walk so softly you would think that their size would make them noisy but elephants are gentle giants! We stayed in Plett for two nights and we were on the road again where we stayed in East London (The blue lagoon) for the night. I could have stayed there another night because it really is so beautfiul there by the lagoon.

After that we headed to Transkei which I have spoken about in my artilce about Jah Drums. Check my side bar and look up sugar loaf back packers. Trankei has animals walking in the road. The poverty is rife over there and the roads are bad but I love Transkei.. It's a party haven and it is a place where you can relax. You are out of your comfort zone but you feel completely at home. After that on our way home we stopped off at a few places like Port Alfred, Port Elizabeth and Knysna. We live in such a great country! We have such cool people! I cannot wait for my next adventure! I could travel everyday! I feel so lucky to have experienced that road trip. I love my little car that managed to get us there and back. Ford Icons Rock!

I highly recommend taking yourself on a road trip. Everyone needs to force themselves to relax and enjoy. I love South Africa!

Namaste'

I honour the place in you in which the entire universe dwells. I honour the place in you which is full of truth. of light and of peace. When you are in that place in you and I am in that place in me. We are one.

I am not religious even though I used to be. These days, I don't ponder on things too much in that respect. What I do think though is that people are important and I know that love is an incredible force! I love this word - namaste'! It really reflects how people should be towards each other. The core inside ourselves should not be about pointing fingers or being judgemental.  It's all about love and not religion!

Our core of being should revolve around accepting people for who they are. Total and complete acceptance with understanding that everybodies shit stinks but we are also all beautiful in every way. If I don't make sense by saying this then please excuse me for that.. but without getting too spiritual I will say to you... namaste' .. You are a delight.. You are special and your life is precious! Beyond that.. I say no more.

For the Love of Reggae Music

I don't like commercialised music. I find that music in all its essence has to be real! It should never be about a quick selling record or a money making quicky. Music should in all its ways, be full of emotion, life, passion and love. All areas of music should have the musician singing with true feeling. The words should echo the very heart of the musician.

When I get home, I don't watch television. I despise the square box that rids us of life and its fullness. There is nothing better than coming home and putting some music on. I drink my glass of wine, play some reggae and I start cooking some good food and life is sweet at that very moment. My husband and I don't watch television. We listen to music and talk. I look forward to my evenings after a hard day of work.  It shocks me how many people just come home and forget life. Yes the odd movie is great on a rainy day but what about family? what about friends? what about reggae? My son and I dance in the lounge and he is growing up with the best music.

If I have had a bad day the first thing I do is put a reggae album on. If I can't sleep, I put a burning spear  album on. Burning spear rocks my house almost every night along with the real reggae musicians like eek a mouse..or LKJ- its all highly recommended  awesome music! I have so much dub reggae that I still have to go through it all. Music especially the kind that is sung by artists like Bob Marley or Burning spear touches the root of all issues. love, peace, unity - one love! I would imagine most Djembe players love reggae or trance.. If I am wrong.. apologies! There is one kind of music that sets me into absolute peace mode - obviously Reggae style music.. If I am angry I put music on. It is healing! Our soul needs it, we thrive on it. Laughter and music - what more can I ask for!

One of our most favourites is of course: Burning Spear 

Burning Spear

visit their blog as well... Burning spear blog

It's real music! The instruments are perfect and inspiring. I love it!

Rhythm of Djembe

We had another djembe drumming session in Cape Town on Saturday. The rhythms are developing now and I have walked away from the drumming lesson with more knowledge than before. My hands are not sore from the two hour djembe lesson which is quite amazing. What I found fascinating about the drumming in South Africa and playing djembe in the street is that people start dancing in the street. The homeless smile and dance and people of all races cannot help but enjoy the rhythm of djembe.

I had taken some pictures between the lesson but this is when we were having a little break. It is almost impossible to take a picture while you are playing.. I just can't seem to draw myself away from drumming to take a picture.. maybe next time.

Playing the drum which is made out of animal skin has such a soothing theraputic feeling.  I see there are a few regulars that come to Cape Town to drum as well as tourists. If you do not have rhythm naturally, the Djembe is the best way to learn what rhythm is. I see a huge improvement in my husband's rhythm. Anyone can learn this instrument. All it takes is a passion for drumming, regular lessons and regular practice. Some people play naturally... lucky people!

Jah Drums in Coffee Bay




My wish list is to go back to Transkei, Coffee Bay to visit Jah Drums and build our own Djembe drum! When we were there a few months ago, we stayed at the Sugar Loaf Backpackers. What an awesome place to be! Thing is we didn't draw enough cash to build our own drum and the closest bank is roughly a two hour drive... So we will have to wait until next time. Got to save up and get babysitters etc. for our next trip.



Coffee Bay



We had such a great time over there! Just wish we had prepared for it. I had no idea that I'd love it so much! Transkei has this feel to it that cannot be described. We still spoke to one of the guys that were there who had planned to visit for one week but ended up living there instead. I completely understand why he didn't leave.





 

Anyway Jah drums is something I am eager to do. If you love djembe.. it's a trip worth your while!





A Dining Experience to Remember

There is something that has developed within me since the world cup 2010. I am very, utterly, totally proud to be South African! We have some of the best restaurants in the world! We have culture, entertainment and most of all we have spirit!

We visited a restaurant in Cape Town called 'Gold Restaurant'.  What initially drew me to this place was the 30 minute Djembe drumming lesson they have before the food.

As we arrived, I felt such warmth! I thought to myself, "why have I only discovered this place now?"  Seriously, the decor and interior alone is cozy and upmarket but real culture more than anything! We were taken to our seats where there were seats available for +- 60 Djembe drummers. We had our glass of wine and before we knew it.. very cool, hip African men walked in to lead us into the basics of the various African rhythms. Not only was the teacher entertaining but I found it fascinating how easily his ability to communicate rhythm was. His partner played in the background. Drumming masters I tell you! Honestly. I could not stop smiling!

After the lesson was over we were ushered to African tradition of cleaning hands and then we ate a 15 course meal. These African meals were all unique and exotic meals. Soooooo good!The very friendly staff explained each meal. My husband is quite a picky one when it comes to food but he enjoyed every plate of food that was served.. our favourite is the samoosa's.. but shhhh I don't want to give away too much of the menu.. you need to discover it for yourself.



The food was was only the beginning of the evening! Pretty soon the teachers who taught us the Djembe were sitting amongst us while we were eating and they played mind blowing African rhythms. Beautiful African ladies danced around us and sang. You would have to be there to understand the awe of everything! I was in awe of this beautiful place. There aren't many places out there that place so much energy into making a night perfect like Gold Restaurant.

What I have described isn't even half of it. You have to be there. Go to their website and read other people's comments about this restaurant. It is an amazing restaurant!







I will do it again! I will bring family and my friends.. the food was too good! the atmosphere was perfect and it was one of the best nights I have ever had! I never mind spending money when it is money worth spending!  

Cindy, the manager and her staff should be very proud of their achievements and you can see they enjoy their work. I honestly can't wait to go again.



 

I highly recommend this restaurant! Gold restaurant is in town. Visit their website for directions. You will be glad you went! It's an African experience of note!

The restaurant is also Halaal. The left over food goes to the South AFrican Children's Home which is responsible for 43 children.

To view more comments of Gold Restaurant Click trip advisor

Djembe drumming on the beach

On the 5th of Jan 2011 - My husband and I decided to go drumming on the beach with a cocktail in hand. The sunset blew my mind and the drumming... awesomeness!

I could do this everyday.  The weather was a scary 40+- degrees celcius. There is no way to describe how great it is to be there and just take yourself away from routine.

Every one needs a place where they find pure peace.. I could not ask for more! My son was running around. My dogs were running on the beach and my husband had a great drumming session with me. Ah.. treasured moments indeed!

We hope to have some more sessions on the beach with a crowd of other Djembe drummers eventually. We do go to drumming lessons in cape town but there is something about the beach that just seems to bring out the best in us. Once again. there are no words to describe it!

Learning about the Djembe Drum

My husband and I had two hours of djembe drumming for the very first time in our lives...We went to Cape Town where our djembe teacher is. They do lessons, sell Djembe drums and repair drums too. If you need to have a little squiz at what they do, Hadinkae drumming group are on long market street in Cape Town. It is such a buzz over there. 

My thumb was throbbing after two hours of Djembe. I learnt that my thumb was sore because I was hitting the drum incorrectly. Since then.. no problems . We are going again this week end. I can't wait! So excited to learn more. I know it takes years to develop the ability to play like a master.. one day! :)

I plan on going every Saturday! I could go everyday but balance comes to mind :) For any further info, feel free to comment.

In Love with Djembe

The first time I ever played the Djembe was at my best friends home. We were having a braai (barbeque) and she put her drum in front of me and suggested I play with her. I have been hooked ever since! I'm still very much a beginner but I play almost daily.

The reason for this blog is to bring djembe drummers together. Drumming on the beach, drumming circles and learning more about this fascinating instrument is a sincere goal of mine.

I am currently going for lessons with a drumming master. I will through out this blog upload photo's and give more information of what I am learning as we go along.

The journey has begun and I am enjoying it so much!..