The Benefits of Drumming and Djembe Rhythms
I remember growing up as a very clumsy, gawky girl, and that carried on until I started drumming about six months ago. If you had put a glass of juice in front of me, I would probably have knocked it over. Dancing, I would have found myself stepping on my own toes and walking to the shop, invariably I would have arrived home with a stubbed toe.
Being clumsy put a huge strain on my social life and I started avoiding going on hiking trips with friends and going to dance parties. Had I found myself out socially, I would have tried to avoid walking across the room in case I tripped.
When I drummed for the first time at Grahamstown Festival in 1998, I was completely intrigued by the djembe. And what blew my mind even more was the fact that a little girl was drumming away next to her father in the circle. This little girl inspired me! I remember not pursuing any percussive instruments whilst growing up, due to what I thought was a “lack of rhythm”.
When I finally felt comfortable enough to pick up a djembe again six months ago, I realized how wrong I have been.
With the guidance of Patrick from Team Spirit, I was soon learning rhythms and gaining a new level of confidence. Remarkably my co-ordination has improved. For years I was under the illusion that I had no rhythm and that I would be doomed to trip over things my whole life! I am proud to say that I can't quite remember the last time I knocked over a glass or tripped over my own two feet on a level floor!
Drumming truly changes your life! We tend to feel that so many things are out of our control, especially when we are faced with our daily stress at work, financial responsibilities and future uncertainty.
When you pick up the djembe, suddenly you feel you are in control! Your confidence gears itself into cruise mode and off you go into the sunset. Some people ride a Harley, I rev my drum!
Drumming has such a great effect on everyone! We all have rhythm and drumming certainly helps you tap into it! Once you have it, there is no turning back!
Drumming has been verified to alter the Alpha brain wave positively and can be sustained within the body for up to 72 hours.
It builds your self-esteem and confidence and it helps to integrate left and right brain activity. Drumming strengthens motor, visual and auditory co-ordination, so that means being clumsy could soon be a thing of the past for you too!
In a circle, everyone learns the importance of listening to each other and to bond. There is a release of energy and creative expression. When I drum in a group, I sense a greater understanding of my fellow being through my small contribution to the circle, and when I leave, I feel as light as a feather and ready to concur the world!
I have found that drumming has affected my life in a string of positive ways.
Whether I am suffering from P.M.S, feeling a little blue, stressed or feeling great, drumming lifts my spirits and it is more uplifting than anything I have ever applied in my life ! I have learned to express my raw energy through this truly fantastic medium, and I would highly recommend it to everyone!
Not only have I lost that bad case of clumsiness, but I am more confidant to interact musically with other people, as drumming has helped ease my shyness.
It has given me a sense of freedom to express myself, without that feeling of “the whole world is watching me”!
I never realised how self-conscious I was until it suddenly vanished! You know that term: “You don't know what you've got until it's gone.” In this case, not a lost lover but something that was a thorn in my side for so long: Being shy when it came to performance!
When I found out that I had a good singing voice at the age of twelve, my family nurtured my talent and I finally studied music after school. But just because I had a solid voice by no means meant that I had a solid stomach five minutes before a performance!
My hands would get clammy and I would shake uncontrollably!
Performance anxiety is not a good thing for an aspiring musician and it can shatter your dreams very easily.
Singing will always be my biggest passion and I am just so glad that I have found drumming. It has showed me that I too can do something that seemed so difficult. Something that I thought would be impossible! I have learned a very valuable lesson:
Nothing is impossible! By picking up the djembe, it awoke a whole new understanding within me and I feel I have accomplished it all on my own. That confidant girl was patiently waiting to emerge, and finally she was born with the first rhythm I managed to play by myself.
If I had to try and picture the world without music, my soul would cease to exist.
Music seems to unite people and it tells an infinite tale of life, love, passion and even pain. Whether you switch on the radio, sing in the shower or pick up your drum, music soothes your being as lovingly as your mother kissing away your aches and pains.
As I eagerly sit down, I pick up my drum and hug her like an old friend! The drum truly expresses everything we are. It speaks of our culture and that makes me so proud of my roots! I am african! There are no barriers and drumming truly accentuates just that.
Through drumming, I have met so many interesting people and made so many special friends. It is a completely universal language and that means everyone can speak it and live it if they choose to.
I have since joined Team Spirit and I am growing every day, thanks to the djembe.
You don't have to sport dreadlocks or live in the bundu to experience this marvel! Drumming truly is for everyone and it will impact your life forever, as it has impacted my life in every way.
By Thomene Boshoff
