Blast Tour

I first became interested in drumming when I was eighteen, on a trip to Tenerife. I came across a Djembe drum which looked incredible and I had to buy it.

A Djembe is a skin covered hand drum, shaped like a large goblet, and meant to be played with bare hands. The Djembe originated in West Africa, and is an integral part of the region's musical tradition.

I didn't start playing for another couple of years, but when I was twenty I moved to South Africa and quickly became hooked.

At gatherings and festivals there would always be people drumming away and I loved to join in, keeping a basic beat and adding to the sound. Drum circles are a great way to learn as mistakes are not always noticed!

When I returned to the island, on my days off, I decided to practice in town instead of at home and people put money in my hat!

Drumming can be a very primal expression.

Our heart provides a constant beat, so to me it seems like a natural way of expressing yourself. We all like to tap away to music and a Djembe drum focuses that feeling.

A beginner can easily get started by keeping in time with a bass beat. To be part of an orchestra of drums, making a sound in harmony (hopefully) is a wonderful and energetic feeling.

It is always interesting as you never know where a drum session will take you.

Blast Isle of Man

I'll be bringing a range of traditional Fair Trade African Djembe drums and shakers to my workshop.

I'll be teaching different rhythms, some traditional and some of my own.

Hopefully by the end of the session the class will be able to perform together. My aim is for people to leave my class knowing the basic techniques to play, and have the confidence to join other drum circles.