The West African Drum Workshop
By Nana from Ghana

Saturday August 5^th, 5:30pm -7:30pm
and Sunday August 6^th, Noon -2:00pm


Nana will lead a drum circle teaching participants how to joyfully enjoy the exciting rhythm of West African High Life drumming.
In addition to the high energy and fun of drumming, Nana will also share the meditative peace of the Ghanaian Kalimba.

The Class cost $30 for each day or $50 for both days

Nana Frimpong is a Ghanaian percussionist from West Africa, playing African drums:
Djembe and Talking Drum, as well as West African Kalimba.

240-274-1144

Bio of Nana Firmpong

(Nana’s website: http://www.nanadrums.com)

Born into a royal family in the year 1963, in the southern part of Ghana, I was introduced to the colorful traditional ceremonies of the Ashanti people at an early age. My grandfather, the late Nana Frimpong Mposo, a revered traditional ruler of my native town, Effiduase (population 60,000), who upon my birth bestowed his royal name upon me, "Nana Frimpong", and hence ushered me into the somewhat intriguing but equally beautiful traditions of the Akan/Ashanti people. By the age of six I had become fascinated by the role of music, in the form of message as a medium of social and spiritual interaction between self and soul, self and others, self and ancestors, and self and god!

By the age of ten, I had started communicating with music, thanks to the Talking Drums played exclusively by drummers in the Chief's Court. Talking drum is a twin drum played to send messages in the form of eulogy, warning, codes, etc. By the age of ten, I had become an instrumental figure in the folklore group of the palace, a group which consisted of elders over 65 years old. I was the youngest!! My excitement stemmed from my deep appreciation of the music I played or was made to listen to. Music that touched on every segment of the emotions, music oftentimes with voiceless messages.

As the excitement grew my curiosity heightened, and that culminated in my discovery of the African xylophone in 1974. The xylophone is native to the northern part of Ghana, a rich and baffling musical instrument born out of nature, like most traditional musical instruments. My experience with the xylophone has always been one of euphoria. Again, I was in touch with nature and was bewildered equally by the ingenuity behind its creation. I was overwhelmed by this "peculiar" instrument.

I also learned to play many traditional musical instruments from the West African subregion, one of the most memorable and unique was the Kalimba. The Kalimba, mostly played in northern Ghana, became a symbol of serenity since it is played primarily to relax.

TALKING DRUMS

As the name signifies, talking drums are used to transmit messages in diverse ways. They can exalt and eulogize. Their messages are woven in subtle but perceptible sound that permeates the human spirit.

The talking drums are used to exalt the Almighty God, Kings, Queens, etc. At the time of grief the message/sound is somber and emotional. During exaltation they speak with even palpable joy. They are used during war times to transmit "coded messages". It must not be forgotten that the talking drums are also musical instruments that bring folks together in moments of joy and grief. They are principally played by the Akan people of Ghana.