Society
African drum rocks Sichuan
By Zhang Ao (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-04-18 13:21
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Residents flocked to the China Lane in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, to see an African drum show held on Saturday afternoon.
More than ten songs were played by the drum players, including professional ones and amateurs during the two-hour show. It was the first time for this music style to be shown in the city with the largest number of audience.
"We welcome anyone interested in African drum to join us," said Ma Jun, organizer of the drum performance.
Ma, 28, a graduate of Sichuan Music College with a major in percussion music, was an African drum enthusiast. Ma began to seek for other drum players to form a drum circle in Chengdu two years ago.
"Compared to European music, the African drum is less known to Chengdu people, which is a shame. That is why we hold such a performance today," he said.
Amateur players on the stage included teachers, businessmen and government officials, who took the African drum an effective way to relax and learn to play in weekends.
Group performance like this would be organized every weekend to forge a platform for drum fans to communicate, according to Ma.
The African drum, or Djembe, is a traditional music instrument originated in western Africa. It is usually played on weddings, funerals or parties.
