Pune: A rhythmic training in the traditional style of djembe playing is the focus of the newly formed West African Djembe Club of India (WADCI) under the auspices of the Pune Drum Circle. The club was created on Africa Day on 25 May. Anyone interested in learning about West African musical traditions and playing the Djembe is welcome to join. For its first event, WADCI invited Adama Ideozu, a renowned African-American performer from Los Angeles, USA, to conduct a workshop on the rhythm of Djole, a masked dance originating from the Temine people in Sierra Leone at the Tribe Vibe Dance Comp in Erandwane on Sunday 2nd June at 5pm. Students. During Kwanzaa, an annual celebration of African American culture from December 26th to January 1st, we would have opportunities to train with her. I remember these as the most liberating moments of my life.” He added, “As I grew up, I felt compelled to delve into my cultural origins. I started with trips to Nigeria to better understand and connect with my paternal side of the family. When I returned to the US, I felt that West African drumming and dancing was my calling and I have been dancing for 27 years.” Ideozu has worked with teachers and members of New York City Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, The Royal Ballet, The Martha Graham Dance Company. She has trained in West African Dance with Pape Moussa Sonko, Babacar Ndiaye, Kosi Williams and Alseny Soumah. WADCI head Upendra Dhawale, also known as Yudi, who is also the founder of the Pune Drum Circle, said, “We have members from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and other cities and they want more Djembe lovers to join as it spreads. the news about this club. Our aim is to provide a deeper understanding of West African music as I believe it is similar to that of India. Many people around the world play the instrument, bringing out different styles. This club will help Djembe lovers get back to learning from the source.” The Djembe, a goblet-shaped drum, is symbolized as a community gatherer in the West African region of 17 countries. “Djembe comes from the Bambara language and means everyone gathers together in peace,” said Yudi, who has been a student for a decade of Babara B Fakoly, a Soussou-Malinké grand master who provides guidance for the club. In addition to teaching students in Europe, China, Latin America, the US, Africa and India, Fakoly will host workshops and sessions for WADCI on his visits to India.
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