There is a theory that music evolved to serve the function of enforcing social cohesion and I am always reminded of it when I see an African drumming circle.
There is something about African drumming that compels the body to move – almost from the inside out. It goes in deep to draw movement out almost by command. As the drums pull you rhythmically in sync with everyone around you there is a powerful connectivity between yourself, the drummers, other dancers, and the ground.
Last week in Vancouver, on the first beautiful spring- like day we’ve had, a general feeling of joy could be felt in the city. Predictably, everyone was outside enjoying the scenery and the warmth, and down at Kits beach I stumbled onto one of those random free concerts that remind me why I love this city so much.
A bunch of 12-15 year olds (of the group Kunaka) were quietly, unassumingly setting up a full drum set and about 10 Ugandan xylophone-like instruments, ranging in size from a suitcase to a piano. When they started playing, their sound, energy, and talent blew me away with what I can only describe as the happiest music EVER! It was definitely a lucky encounter and a large crowd had gathered in mutual awe and appreciation. It was during their playing, noticing my own desire to jump, and observing the crowd and sea of grins and claps, that I thought about the connection between music and dance and how empowering, releasing, and connecting it can be.
I found this video of Kunaka on their site. And below it is another video I found on youtube of a Vancouver group called Miyanda that performs African dance.
Kunaka - Sarura Wako
Miyanda Mandjani Dance
http://kunakamarimba.com
http://www.miyanda-drum-dance.blogspot.com/
Saturday, April 11, 2009
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