UBAKA (ooh-ba-ka), a native New Yorker, a drummer, percussionist, vocalist, songwriter, composer, poet and teacher of hand drumming inspires healing and soulful joy.
UBAKA has been an inspiration to many for 30 years of her professional career as a performer and teacher of hand drumming throughout the United States and international communities. She is the Founder/Director of the Drumsong Institute Museum and Archive of Women's Drum and Percussion Traditions and co-founder/ co-producer of "The Happen'n" in Upstate New York. Ubaka is recognized as a motivational speaker, visionary, and fine art oil painter. She is the first teacher of many hand drummers.
UBAKA'S musical approach embodies various ideas to create authentic, melodic and rhythmic music from the cosmic to the ordinary, ancient to contemporary; intentional music that motivates and reflects our expanding minds, changing beliefs and the birth of new drumming traditions. Ubaka's primary instruments are her voice and hand drums. The Djembe and the "Ube" (ooh-bay) are the drums she plays most often.
The 'UBE' is Ubaka's Signature Drum made by Raven Tekwe.
She is the Musical Director of her professional ensemble," THE SHAPESHIFTERS" ; a multi-cultural, multi-instrument ensemble of talented, skilled musicians, some she has played with for over 13 years. Each woman brings her unique musical gifts to co-create soundscapes that reveal the power of intentional music. Ubaka is also the Founder/Musical Director of THE DRUMSONG ORCHESTRA, a national, folkloric, multi-cultural, diverse ensemble of female drummers and percussionists of all ages and skill levels. (more about Ubaka's projects and vision)
"BEYOND THE WIND" is Ubaka's 3rd CD, recorded between October 2005 and May 2006. The National Drumsong Orchestra (25 participants), The ShapeShifters, and guest musicians are featured on this new recording.
"BEYOND THE WIND" is released on Ubaka's own label, Splevine Music Network. Ubaka has 2 other CD's "SHAPESHIFTERS" and "DANCE THE SPIRAL DANCE".
Ubaka, how come you didn't come Harrisburg this year? Did we learn all there is to learn? I don't think so. Please know that you are loved and missed in the burg...will we see you next year?
Love the drums, what a beautiful instrument related to womyn!I'm still practicing mine(the drums that is). hehe.Question,Do you know Skye and how is she?
Oh my! Amazing!! Thank you for being such a friend and a part of SisterSpace - you made our 30th Anniversary Celebration complete and alive and full of all kinds of wonderful energy - thank you!!
Dear Ubaka, Congratulations on your label, compositions and recordings. I am listening to the Max Roach Memorial Broadcast on WKCR FM here in NYC. What an essential Spirit Musician on this planet. Everything is in Divine Order. Peace and Drum Hathor
Thanks for checking in. As soon as I finish experimenting here I will put on the video from the Block Party so you can see my congas. I read the blog about your drums going to Baltimore. That is really incredible. There are no accidents I guess they needed to make a visit. Peace, Love and Music Hathor
Ubaka, it was my pleasure and blessing to sit with you at National. Thank you for the invitation. I also look forward to making magic with you for Evolution. Just a few more days! Much Love, ~Tory
Thank you for allowing me to swim in your realm here! Im very much looking forward to future teachings and inspiration from you! Im sure we will meet up soon as time travels fast these days seeking Spring and a bit more sunlight :)
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