The Benefits of Playing the African Drums

Getting right down to the root of the soul

Statistics show that one in every hundred people are rhythmically challenged – they are the people who dance one awkward step behind, or sing a note, when there is a musical rest. I was first introduced to the djembe (a skin-covered hand drum, shaped like a large goblet) when I was involved in a charity drum circle. Under the guidance of Patrick Dilley, of Team Spirit, I was pleasantly surprised that I'm not one of those people. Step by step, I was tapping out a rhythm and the drum was making the sounds I wanted it to make – not so daunting, after all. After only one session, our group was drumming a number of energetic rhythms that culminated in something rather musical.

In fact, Dr Barry Bittman, CEO and Medical Director of the Mind-Body Wellness Centre, Meadville, USA, sites many physical and psychosocial benefits including; improved co-ordination, better memory, feelings of euphoria, stress release and even resistance to cancer cells. The positive side effects of drumming can last up to 72 hours in the human body.

I certainly felt some of these benefits and was keen to find out more about the djembe drum and what it takes to become a djembefola (the one who gives the djembe it's voice); so I spoke to Patrick Dilley.

"I don't think I chose the drums. I think the drums chose me."

In order to be an effective drumming teacher, you have to master both drumming and the science of learning. Some work hard to master this, whilst others are born with it.

Patrick's late father played marching drums, whilst his elder brother is pretty nifty with a snare drum. Surrounded by rhythm from a young age, drumming was something that came naturally to him.

"I've been drumming now for 37 years and can hardly record a day of illness, during that time," explains Patrick, "There's something about the African drums that gets right down to the root of the soul."

Patrick first discovered the djembe drum, whilst studying Western and Latin music with master drummers and troupes, in Ghana. One of his life goals was to become a teacher, so when the University of Cape Town offered him the opportunity to participate in Learning Facilitation Workshops, he leapt at the chance. 

"The djembefola in me had been awakened and the dream of becoming a full time teacher and professional musician became an overnight reality," says Patrick, who has now been drumming and teaching professionally, for ten years.

"The great thing about drum circles is that you can mix all age groups and levels of experience."

Patrick has taught in South Africa, Namibia, the Middle East and China. He has a giving nature, running regular workshops for staff at NGO's and teaching children at underprivileged schools. There are no limits to the age of his learners, as the principles of drumming can apply to all.

"I remember a seven year old girl who was too afraid to even touch an instrument, until I ran a djembe course at her school. Through playing the drums, she developed such a sense of confidence that she became a budding violinist, to the amazement of her parents, teachers and peers.

I once taught a man who was rhythmically challenged, but after two years of hard work, he could keep the pulse; and after three years, he could play in time. It's situations like these that really make drumming special."

Patrick's passion for drumming has taken him across the globe, from performing at international festivals, to Budweiser's reality show 'Bud House', during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Team Spirit is set to tour the UK and hope to line up a sponsored tour to the USA.

"The oddest event I've ever had to perform at was a sakkie jol in a barn, near Barrydale. They really enjoyed our drumming and got down to some serious langarm. I'm just glad we didn't have to drum to the Diski dance!

"Another time, I drummed at a wake-keeping, in Ghana, that went on for four days. The body was laid out in full view, whilst villagers took turns to waft it with a towel, in order to keep it cool. Quite different, I tell you."

For details of drumming workshops in Cape Town and Surrounds, visit www.teamspirit.co.za.

By Lisa Nevitt

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