African Drum and Dance
The Teachers
Born in Ethiopia, I started dancing when I was eight and
started teaching other adopted Ethiopian children as a way
of sharing and showcasing the customs and traditions of
Ethiopia. At the age of 17, I ran my first major workshop
being the primary presenter. I have performed with many
groups, including the Ethiopia Bahil Dance Group, Papasa,
and Fab Fambool. To me, dance is about finding out who
you are; once I am on stage, I feel like my body is on fire and the rhythm of the drums allows me to be truly free. Dance is about finding your own unique rhythm and style—it is where I find my most joy.
I’ve been drumming passionately for over half a decade now. When I first heard African drums, I was blown away by the intricacy and beauty of the sound—I’d never heard anything like it. Since then, I’ve studied with many African masters in Australia, Mali, Ghana, and the United States. To me, drumming is about empowering people to speak with their own voice and tell their story. There are rhythms in all of us, and no-one else can play these rhythms unless we share them.
I’ve played music all my life, and studied African drumming for over ten years in Australia and Africa. In recent years, I have performed with Brisbane percussion bands Djagba, Beats & Feet, and Papasa. Most people think that drumming is only about beats, but it’s also about melody: every drum can produce high and low sounds depending on how it is played. I love the way different rhythms interconnect, and how this music is so much fun to play with other people. For me, teaching is about sharing my knowledge and encouraging other people to play music too.
Yenenesh Nigusse
Linda Nathan
Michi Henning
The Teachers