SEWA

In May of 2006, I walked into my first West African drum class.  I was attending a West African drum and dance camp at Wild Acres Retreat in North Carolina hosted by Kumandi Drums (Atlanta) and I had no idea what to expect.  I just knew I loved the sound of the djembe and I wanted to learn how to play it.  At the end of the three days, I not only learned basic djembe technique and a traditional West African rhythm, I experienced a level of joy that is hard to put into words.  An energizing feeling resonated throughout my body.  The energy came from the connection with the drum and the collective energy emanating from the group. It was exhilarating and fulfilling and I wanted more.  Thus began my journey into becoming a djembefola (djembe player) and then a Certified Associate Instructor. 

 

 

My classes are based on the pedagogy of legendary Guinean master drummer, Mamady Keita.  After teaching basic djembe technique -- how to sit with a drum and the basic hits necessary to play the rhythms-- I demonstrate the traditional rhythm that you will learn.  Then I break the rhythm down into smaller parts and we practice repeatedly until the group is able to play it well.  I continue to add parts slowly until the rhythm is mastered.  But mastering the rhythm is only part of the goal of the class.  The ultimate goal is to complete a drum series feeling excited about the experience.  The classes are free of judgment, but they are full of SEWA!!!

  

To learn more about the benefits of drumming and specific classes, go to the Adult and Kids tabs under the Classes page.