Yesterday I went along to first lesson of a five week drumming course held by Michi Henning and Linda Nathan of Brisbane. A big crowd – about 20 of us, biggest class ever apparently, and lots of fun. Drumming just about non-stop for an hour and a half, at the end I felt like I’d had a real physical workout.
Michi teaches the traditional African beats and tells a bit of a story about when and where they are played, and what instruments are used. Yesterday we learned the Fankani which is a rhythm from Guinea and traditionally played as a welcome at many types of occasions. There are two parts, one is played with bass, tone and slap beats; the other just tone and slap. Sound great when played together simultaneously.