Rhythm and Culture here on the Sunshine Coast…..
Morning in Bamako, West Africa.
I wake to the routine sound of grass brush on paver’s as the neighbours sweep their entrance way to clear the way for the beginning of a new day. Sweaty from another hot night I find relief in a cold shower before taking a quick stroll to the corner store to buy some bread to go with my favourite breakfast: “boro ni namasa” or banana sandwich. My friends here had never seen that combination before and were a little dubious, although they gave it a try . . . . once. Not quite the African breakfast. Omelets are easily devoured.
Bag check: Wallet. Phone. Sun glasses. Hand sanitiser. Water. Journal. Camera . . .
Health check: 5ml Echinaccea. Vitamin and Mineral powder. 9 Spirulina tablets. Protein powder. Arsenicum 30c.
Boro ni namasa. Ok. A Clara, Ungata. . .
The morning sun is beating down already, and it seems we have been beaten too. Every taxi is full and a jumble of familiar and not so familiar hand gesture indicate en ville is not on the chauffers menu. Unusual for this time in the morning but after half an hours walk and finally a interested signal we meet up with the seething flow of cars and motor bikes heading for the city.
Maison de Jeune, literally home of youth is our destination where the days activities take part after greetings and respects are paid. “Anisohoma” “N ba” “Un che” “E rasera” “Somogwo be di” “Toro ste” “N Ba” “Ungata balani foli” “Good morning” Hi” “Did you sleep well” “Is your family well” “All is good” “Thanks” “Let’s go play Balaphon”. . . . . .
And the music begins.
In March, Sunshine Coast resident Nathaniel Combs returned from Bamako, West Africa where he completed a one month intensive studying and training West African music with world class musician of Group Bwazan, Bassidi Kone. Time flew by and Nathaniel was back on home soil equipped with a whole new repertoire of rhythms, beautiful African instruments and traditional costume… “Time has passed so quickly in some ways and even faster in others. And time in Mali is like a completely different thing altogether. Mundane things pass quickly for me through the constant effort of countless people making their way in an African life. Here my classes pass so fast that three hours has already gone and my hands and mind are still attempting to catch Bassidi’s music between the splits, blisters, and complex rhythms.”
To celebrate West African culture and music in QLD, Rhythm Culture has organised a number of events over June and July. Something for everyone!
On June 8th Nathaniel will be teaming up with Yenenesh Nigusse to offer a West African Drum and Dance intensive. This intensive is designed to deepen your knowledge of West African music. West African Drumming Groups will be facilitated so that everyone can engage in the ensemble at their individual level. These workshops are unique and rhythms taught have not been covered in Rhythm Cultures regular West African drumming classes. Students of West African music are encouraged to participate.
African Dancing with Yenenesh Nigusse will be open to all levels and will provide a complete workout in West African music. Yenenesh’s Guinean style is unique and well known in QLD.
Don’t miss this opportunity to dance the rhythms of Africa with this spectacular African dancer @ Palmwoods Memorial Hall. African Drumming 10-11.30am, African Dancing 11.45-1.15pm, $30 each or $50 for both classes.
June 27th will be a day for the lil’ ones. Nathaniel will be providing a school holiday workshop for children of the Sunshine Coast. This workshop will be a one off event and will have your little ones making music, getting physical and accessing their individual creativity. Creating musical sounds with the ancient West African drum, the Djembe will be the focus of this workshop and children of all ages will be drumming, singing and dancing. Be sure not to miss this special holiday event. Reserve your place early! @ Palmwoods Memorial Hall $10 per child.
Finally on July 12th, 13th & 14th Rhythm Culture will be hosting a series of events with Bassidi Kone from Mali, West Africa. This will include drumming workshops in both Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast along with a performance right here on the Sunshine Coast! This is definitely one weekend of music, culture and education with master drummer, Bassidi Kone. Not to be missed!
For more info and bookings Ph 0434585992 for bookings or email info@rhythmculture.com.au
www.rhythmculture.com.au
