Spirituality and the drum

The veil of ignorance often shrouds our understanding of the world, leading us to overlook or disregard the cultural treasures hidden within ourselves and others. It’s astonishing how many individuals remain oblivious to the biases that reside within, influencing their perceptions and acceptance of art, music, and culture from regions deemed ‘developing’ or ‘non-trendy.’

While many people flock to Bali for spiritual enlightenment, Thailand’s temples for a taste of exotic mysticism, and Africa for its rhythmic drumming, few take the time to delve deeper into the rich cultural heritage of these regions. They mistakenly view these traditions as mere novelties or playthings, rather than recognizing them as an integral part of daily life, community, and spiritual practices.

In Africa and West Africa, drums are not mere instruments but vessels of storytelling, communication, and cultural expression. They’re woven into the fabric of daily life, accompanying ceremonies, celebrations, and everyday rituals. The music they produce is not just a collection of sounds but a carefully crafted art form, with compositions, lyrics, choreography, and teachers who carry on traditions.

It’s baffling that we in the Western world often remove these drums from their cultural context and rebrand them as ‘new age’ or ‘world music.’ We create jam sessions that can sometimes disrespect the original traditions and assign new labels to what some might call a cultural appropriation. We ignore the profound wisdom and spiritual depth of the people who have been carrying these traditions for generations. We don’t even look into or investigate it.

Ask someone playing djembe at a jam if they know what the word “djembe” means.

As we seek to understand and appreciate the world around us, let us not forget to recognize the inherent value and worth of every culture. Let us respect the drummers, healers, and spiritual leaders who have devoted their lives to preserving their heritage.

Let us listen with an open heart and mind, acknowledging the richness and diversity of human experience. Only then can we truly appreciate the beauty that lies within every culture, no matter where it may come from.”

Thanks for reading this and considering what I have to say.