A hush descended on the Vera Moody Auditorium at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts ahead of the performances, signalling the reverence and reflection that drumming invokes. Talking Drums was a fascinating event organised by Reggae Rituals that promised a fun drum show, and everyone was eager to enjoy it. Coleen Douglas, a marketing, communications, and cultural expert, developed Reggae Rituals with the idea of honouring Jamaica’s cultural giants and their legacies in an organic, traditional way as a joyous rite of passage at the time of their passing.
Talking Drums was established to present some of Jamaica’s top drummers and their proficiency with both traditional and modern drum arrangements, and the concert was a beautiful way to embody this idea, with each beat and sublime rhythm echoing ancestral knowledge. The performances combined storytelling with showmanship, highlighting our traditional folk forms and their strong African influence. Its debut was unaffected by the heavy rain; in fact, this appeared to highlight the relationship between drumming and nature even more.
In the drumset showcase, Kirk Bennett, Tony Ruption, Clayon Samuels and internationally acclaimed surprise guest musicians, Cat Coore, Rupert Bent, VC, and Mr Vegas performed their characteristically excellent pieces. The overall impact was further enhanced by the indisputable skill of the Akwaaba Drummers, Djembekon drummers and dancers, and Gwarra Cherry African Kumina Group in the traditional drumming category.
More than just a musical spectacle; the evening was an exploration of Jamaica’s rich history and its unbroken link to African culture. The ancestors felt present and the audience participation was fantastic. We gave it a 9/10, and look forward to next year’s staging.
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