Jackson Free Press

Nelajah and Kenya Gowans, of the Kuumba Afrikan Drum and Dance Workshop, make it sound simple to learn to play African drums. Likewise, dance instructor Felicia Bell easily explains the connection between the drums and dancing.

The drums, made like those djembe drums dating from 12th century Mali, are carved from an African hardwood, shaped like an hourglass and hollow throughout. For adults, they're between 27 to 32 inches high. Thin goatskin stretches across the large round opening, tighted by strings of gut or nylon that reach from the skin down to where the pedestal shape begins. These strings must be adjusted periodically to keep the drum head tight.

Kenya said: "As for the sounds, there's a bass tone that you make with the heel of your hand. There's a tone made with the middle of the fingers, between the palm and the fingertips. And there's the slap, done with the fingertips. You hold the drum with your knees and tilt it to get the sound out. You cannot play wearing any jewelry, or you will pop the head." Nelajah repeated, "Them heads will pop quick!"

The variations and combinations come from hitting the drum in different spots, with different rhythm patterns. Felicia said she had to learn to play the drums so that she would know the rhythms and be better able to teach the dances. She went on: "You don't beat it. It's best to play the drum softly because it's the way the drum is made that gives you the sound."

African drumming is done for the joy of it at festivals and ceremonies. "Each rhythm has an oral story behind it. Particular dances go to those rhythms," Felicia explained. She proudly pointed out that the Kuumba Afrikan Drum and Dance Workshop has taken these stories and made them into plays so that viewers can see the story.

Kenya told me about an upcoming event Kuumba has lined up, with the help of artistic director Jerry Jenkins—the Bob Marley Legacy of World Peace and One Love set for Feb. 6 at Aladdin Mediterranean Grill, 730 Lakeland Dr., near the corner of Lakeland and Old Canton, 366-6033. The Kuumba Afrikan Drum and Dance workshop will perform; DJ C-Lecta will spin music, and Nickel G is hosting, along with Sister June Hardwick. There'll be open-mic poetry and local surprise guest bands plus Bob Marley videos and a cultural fashion show. The 9 p.m. show is $5, $3 for students.