About me: A musician since I was given my first guitar aged five I decided to join a team of British fire fighters on a mission to Uganda earlier this year. My job was to convey the fire safety message through music and song.
To hear my music/videos or to join my mailing list please visit reverbnation.Drumming in Africa
On my first evening off I had the pleasure of meeting an African drummer who performed in a local band. Altogether there are 25 band members, 15 musicians and 10 dancers.
The band leader was a gentleman by the name of Devis, who is an extraordinary musician. He gave me the warmest of welcome's and invited me to play with his group on several occasions. I happily joined in on djembe drum. I consider myself a very able drummer but Devis' group would eventually send my inadequacies racing to the surface.
I arranged to play with the band at our hotel on the final night, by way of celebrating our visit to Uganda. The audience consisted of Mityana Community Foundation members, our interpreters, hotel staff, other guests and locals. The people of Africa are very keen to provide a decent send off and they would prove to fulfil this cultural obligation with unbridled enthusiasm.
When the instruments were set up, xylophones, djembe drums, bass drum, conga's, bongo's, shakers and whistle’s it was time to rehearse for the performance. There is no strict format to follow when joining in with this music; it is purely a case of feeling the rhythm and improvising confidently. In other words, if you drum out of time it is very noticeable.
Even though the other members in the band could not speak any English, I still felt their intentions and their enthusiasm, as if we were all having a big conversation ... I guess we were ...but using the language of music to convey our thoughts and feelings instead of words. I remember so many happy and smiling faces.
In the audience that night were people from all over the globe. As I looked around the room feet were tapping, heads were nodding and hands were clapping. This was the first time I had played to such a multi-national audience and every single person was enjoying the music of the land, as if brought together by our sounds.
That was when I finally realised how much we all understand the language of music, a common language ... and all in the name of one race.
Having returned home safely I look back on my trip with great fondness. There are children in need of fire safety training all over this region who will be very grateful for a visit from The Mityana Community Foundation.
Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Mityana Community Foundation gets your money faster and if you’re a UK taxpayer Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid plus a 3% supplement are added to your donation.
My vocals/guitar: Mega Mania: Scorccio Sample Replays
PHILIP PARRIS LYNOTT: Resting In Paradise.
A Philo fan from my earliest memory I visited his grave in 2007. I met Philomena who graciously accepted my debut album and invited me to open the 2nd Statue Anniversary Concert in Dublin 2007.
Cheers and welcome! Hope you have a fantastic rocking mental metal week ahead!!! You can now sign up as an official I.M.h.C. member at www.metalheadsclub.com Spread the word!!!!
Brother can you spare a buck? Marijuana Music Award Winning Songs, "Light 'Em Up" feat. Afroman and "Brother Can You Spare A Dime" now available on itunes & CD Baby.
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