Beating to the rhythms of the hearts of those attending the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Associations (IFAWPCA) global convention on infrastructure building were the djembe drums that take it roots in tribal belts of Africa.
Transcending language barriers, the African drums proved to be a delightful tool to break the ice at the Gokulam Convention Centre. Between the brain-racking sessions, each one could thump a beat or two when the occasion permitted to unwind and relax. The majority of the hands began to thump the drums instead of clapping finding it more fun-filled and relaxing.
It also helps create bonding among over 1000 delegates attending various sessions at the meet. Drum circles concept is catching on among corporates and schools for therapeutic use.
“This is an aboriginal exercise for team building and non-verbal communication adopted from the African tribes. It helps you move from the rational or analytical mind to spontaneous and intuitive,” said Shyam Suraj aka Sham Rock, the chief facilitator of his company Drum Events. Emmanuel Osei Aionku and George Abban from Ghana and Vysh are part of his team.
To boost the energy levels and begin on an entertaining note, the team performed a lively piece in the morning with their talking drums, Dum Dum and of course the djembes. Local musicians were roped in to accompany them on the bass guitar.
Djembes were distributed to all present after lunch break for an interactive drumming session wherein even the audience beat the drums while the troupe performed on stage.
Paint Drumming
In the evening, the new concepts of paint drumming was performed wherein the background of stage is darkened with the troupe dressed in black and heightened by a play of light and colourful water to the rhythms of the beats.
Drum Circles works as a great stress-reliever which has been scientifically proven to change brain wave pattern to alpha state as it raises the endorphin levels, according to scientific studies made by neurologist Parry Bituman, said Shyam. It helps people focus and learn on working together on a new task and keeps body and mind refreshed. Drum Events has been conducting drum circles for corporates, schools and charity events. “We want to focus more on therapeutic drumming,” said Shyam, who got to learn the art from Julien Odell when he was in Dubai. Julien attended the workshop organised by Arthur Hull who has developed it as a corporate training tool.