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“Keepers of the Flame” is a documentary about the elder Cubano statesmen of Rumba
“Keepers of the Flame” is a documentary about the elder statesmen of Rumba who live in Matanzas and Havana. Francisco Zamorra Chirino, (“Menini”) and Pedro Aballi Torriente (“Regalado”) are two of these elder statesmen and co-founders of AfroCuba de Matanzas, one of Cuba’s preeminent folkloric groups. Both Menini and Regalado are the keepers of the… Read More »
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Gon Bops Rawhide Shekere Test Review
I recently got a hold of a Gon Bops Shekere as I was traveling and needed something very durable to withstand the rigors of my lifestyle. I would like to note that I also make Shekeres myself, but I always use hard shell gourds. The problem is that for me, gourds and traveling about do… Read More »
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Long time conga player tells his story, an article by guest writer Michael Schwartz
By guest writer Michael Schwartz I grew up in the Bronx during the period of time that the Bronx was going through an evolution. This is in the late 50’s/early 60’s. The neighborhoods were predominately Irish/Italian/Jewish, but were then starting to have an influx of Cuban, Puerto Rican and Afro Americans. My particular block, had… Read More »
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Conga Skin (conga heads) and Djembe skins suppliers list
Here is a list of skin suppliers. I am sure there are some other suppliers but this will give you a great start if you are looking for some new skins for your conga drums or djembe drums. If you have any suppliers you would like to add please let me know and I will… Read More »
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Rumba in Havana, 1985 with Raices Profunda w/Juan Diaz
This is a classic rumba video from my vault. It features the group, “Raices Profunda” (Deep Roots) from Havana Cuba. The dance and drum rhythm is called rumba columbia. Read More »
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Video: Raices Profunda (Deep Roots) Perform Dance and Bata Drums for Oshun in Cuba 1985
This is a video clip of a dance performance we witnessed in Havana, Cuba in 1895 when I went there to study traditional Afro Cuban drumming. The group performing is called, Raices Profunda or “Deep Roots” in english. This is a dance for the Orisha Oshun. The drummers are playing bata drums from the Yoruba… Read More »
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Spirit In The Wood Congas: 4 drum Sound Test and Demo Video
This is a demonstration and sound test of my 4 new Spirit In The Wood conga drums made by Conrad Kubiak in Pennsylavania from solid logs. These are on piece drums (shells) all made from the same tree. The type of wood used is called “Figured Ash”. Read More »
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The Ten Best Conga Drums, The Best Congas On The Market Today
It is amazing how few reviews there are on conga drums out there new or used. And many people think that the best drums made are from the major manufacturers such as L.P., Mienl, Toca and such. So today we will show you some solid alternatives that I am sure you will find eye opening… Read More »
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“Spirit In The Wood” conga drums, made from one log of wood. Worlds Best?
These are the new “Spirit In The Wood” brand conga drums. Made by an artist and musician in PA.,USA named Conrad. He has been building hand made drums for over 30 years and even the late great Baba Olatunji requested and played one of Conrad’s special drums. Read More »
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The art of drumming, learning the basics and more!
Just for the record, I am not against fusion, hybrid or any other new or old style of drumming of […] Read More »
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New How To Play Djembe on line (downloadable) Djembe and West African drumming Lessons now available!
My latest instructional series on how to play the djembe and west african drumming styles is now available for easy downloads at X8drums.com. This easy to follow tutorial series features easy to follow instructions, over the shoulder shots and special slow motion sequences to make your learning experience easier and fun! Please check it out… Read More »
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The First Asian Rhythm Facilitators’ Conference (1ARFC) is happening!
This is the first opportunity ever for people who work with rhythm to come together in Asia to network, discuss our knowledge and experience, share our “rhythmical spirit”, and (best of all) have crazy fun together in a tropical setting at one of Malaysia’s best beaches. (Did somebody say “Late night”?) Read More »
