Salaka: Interactive Drumming 2010
With a turn on the drums for every student!
Salaka: Sharing the Spirit of Africa
Teambeat presents a well-structured, informative and fun interactive drumming performance by one of West Africa’s top cultural ensembles called “Salaka” which means “Sharing” in Ghana. The performance by visiting artists from Ghana imparts African rhythm and culture in an entertaining and educational way. Best of all- it’s hands on!
This is Salaka's third national tour - both previous tours were completely sold out.
The Performance
The show is highly interactive, hands on and culturally rich. Every student will play a drum learning a rhythm from Africa- transforming your students into a percussion ensemble. Students are introduced to an array of traditional African instruments of all shapes and sounds, including the ‘talking drum’, djembe drum, kpanlogo drum, box drum, bells and shakers.
The students will also learn a traditional African song to accompany the drumming rhythm, and experience African dancing. Traditional songs are performed and the purpose and context of the pieces are discussed.
Modern issues affecting children and families in developing African countries are discussed in a positive way through music, from performers who speak from direct experience.
This is a beautiful way for students to understand their counterparts on the other side of the world. An understanding of village life and culture is gained by the students from folk tales and stories.
Every student has a turn playing the drums and other instruments and learning an African rhythm.
Salaka is a wonderful fun way to experience and learn about traditional African music and culture with wonderful African musicians.
Teambeat also offers an extensive range of Teacher’s Notes and classroom activities.
The Benefits
- Promotes an understanding of diversity and cultural awareness.
- Experience of rhythm leads to more complex skills in listening, processing information, responding & communicating
- Improves memory and coordination
- Encourages social interaction
- Stimulates and balances left brain / right brain
- Assists in confidence building
- Helps bring out hidden potential
- Enhances imagination & creative thinking
- Excellent release of energy, builds up fitness
Fees
The Performers: The Salaka Ensemble
Representing the Salaka Ensemble will be Sammy, Odai Kwasi, Daniel Odai and Mustafa - four talented performers who will be working alongside Master Drummer Tuza. This is a dynamic combination providing a chance to experience African music and culture in a holistic and authentic way.
The Salaka Ensemble (previously known as Noko Yedzen) was formed by Master Drummer Tuza in Ghana in the mid 1990's - when the members were still very young teenagers. Every day after school the group would rehearse, learning rhythms from their local elders and community cultural groups. The name Salaka means "sharing" and the aim was to share traditional knowledge with the younger generation to preserve the rich musical traditions of the community of Nungua.
Salaka quickly grew into a professional and exciting display of culture, performing at festivals, funerals and special events in Accra.
Salaka recently performed for President Kufuor at his castle in the capital of Ghana, and were chosen to lead the performances at Ghana's 50th anniversary independence celebrations at Black Star Square (Ghana's national venue).
Salaka have won numerous awards and represented their tribe (Ga people) at various national drum competitions.