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!

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!

Sunday Bliss

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

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.