African Drum Class, Dinner and Film
All of the winter residents have left our little island for the summer, but the remaining 7,000 full-time residents plan to enjoy Pine Island all summer long. And one activity that continues throughout the summer is the African Drumming social which takes place at the private home of Master Drummer and African Dance choreographer Ndakhte Ndiaye, of Saint James City.
Each Wednesday and Friday night at 7 p.m., and on Thursday afternoons at 4 p.m., Ndiaye shares ancient and highly cherished rhythms from remote villages in West Africa. Hand-carved Djembe drums are provided, most of which were hand crafted by Ndiaye who also builds, repairs and tunes ancient drums and instruments for museums, collectors and musicians from all over the United States.
A typical evening begins with guests helping themselves to hot tea made from herbs which Ndiaye and boyfriend Shannon Crowell grow in their garden. After about 15 minutes of socializing, drums are given to each student and the class begins. Different sounds are demonstrated on the drum and copied by the students in a fun and easy follow-along style. The students become acquainted with the drum and try to perfect the many sounds that can be made on it. Ndiaye explains that the drum is meant to “speak” and is used to articulate phrases in tribal languages including Wolof, and Sou-Sou.
Ndiaye then explains the fascinating history and meaning of the rhythm that she is about to teach. It may be an 800 year-old rhythm from a remote fishing village used to celebrate a great catch. Or, perhaps, a rhythm played while villagers travel many miles by foot to attend baby-naming and other celebrations. It may be a harvest rhythm, blacksmith’s rhythm or seduction rhythm often played during full moon.
‘It’s a musical journey through West Africa,” said Ndiaye. The rhythms are a way to learn about the people and their customs, celebrations, food, beliefs, habits, and their joy and pain. “Rhythms were created for each and every activity and historic event, and are held dear to the people of West Africa.” Amazingly, and traditionally, these rhythms are not annotated with sheet music, only handed down drummer to drummer as are the stories, songs and history. “We play the rhythms exactly as our ancestors did up to 1000 years ago!”
As students progress, they are taught obscure “drum calls,” how to play for dancers, and how to express themselves with creative soloing and arrangements.
“Most people who attend for the first time planned only to have a little fun, try something new and enjoy a night out. They are quite surprised to find themselves returning week after week and really learning to play. They enjoy the food, film, and friendly people.”
The people who attend are from all ages and walks of life including yoga instructors in their 20s, to artists in their 80s, a Lee County deputy, a hairstylist, an EMS worker, authors, actors, photographers, nurses, psychologists.
“It’s an amazing mix of people” adds Ndiaye.
After about an hour of drumming, an elaborate gourmet dinner is served, and includes dessert and wine. An African film from Ndiaye’s rare collection is then shown and more socializing takes place. The couple serves traditional foods from Africa, the Mediterranean, Mexico, India, and Thailand. Most dishes are prepared with local and organic fruits and vegetables and freshly caught fish from the island. Elaborate vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes manage to please and accommodate everyone. The couple spares no expense, using only the freshest ingredients and making creative blends of seasonings, rubs, salsas, marinades, and sauces for their dishes which are often grilled or smoked on a variety of exotic woods. Some of the favorites are sea grape, cherry and Red Wax Jambu wood.
Many of the students have already experienced the thrill of performing at local events which Ndiaye organized and to which she invited the students. One of those events is the annual Earth Day Extravaganza which takes place at Earth and Spirit Garden Gallery and where a community drum circle is held under their gazebo at water’s edge or around a huge bonfire. The Pine Island Resort, Bell Tower Shoppes and Lee County have also contracted Ndiaye for several drum and dance workshops, demonstrations, performances and facilitated drum circles.
Several students have booked Ndiaye for private drumming events for their family get-togethers. Sometimes four generations have drummed together in one room. Renowned artist Kathleen Conover had booked such an event as did screenwriter/author Judy Rutherford, and other Pine Island residents and visitors. “When they call to reserve for a party of 10 or 15, I always offer them their own day and time.”
Ndiaye welcomes all levels in her classes from rank beginner with two left hands, to professional musicians looking to incorporate an African flare into their music. The classes are ongoing and new material is introduced at every class. A nominal $10 donation includes the class, use of a drum, gourmet dinner and film.
For reservations, call Ndakhte Ndiaye at (239) 283-7885 or email sharingafrica@yahoo.com or find her on FaceBook.