Budding drummers learn Garifuna beats
The sound of Garifuna drumming, whether in Belize City, Dangriga, Hopkins, Seine Bight or virtually anywhere in Belize, is a familiar facet of the nation’s cultural landscape. But did you ever wonder where all those drummers came from? Patrick Jones followed the sweet sounds into one Belize City neighbourhood and found that good technique is not an accident.
Patrick Jones, Reporting
From the shade of the old Hammond’s tree, drumbeats resonate through the Yabra neighbourhood. Fifteen boys and girls and one determined lady, are sharpening awareness of this vital aspect of Garifuna culture.
Jason Guerrero, Music Coordinator, House of Culture
“Some of them we see had some problems with rhythm and the course breaks the rhythm down to the very basic unit and helps them develop these rhythms and speeds up the rhythm, so eventually they become comfortable playing Garifuna rhythms and also to sensitise them to the Garifuna culture and to their own culture. Through appreciating other cultures they can appreciate themselves I think.”
Dax Delbert Thomas, Manager, Larubéya Productions
“We are teaching them the basic Garifuna rhythm, meaning the drumming of Punta, Paranda and we are going to take it to Hugu-Hugu and then to Johnkunu rhythm.”
Under the watchful eyes of the master, the participants first learn the different beats, and then they get to beat the skins. Thomas says that a willingness to learn is about all that’s necessary to get the hang of these instruments.
Dax Delbert Thomas
“It’s not really difficult. It’s just an art, time and concentration on what you’re doing…It’s just a little time and dedication and listening, hearing. It’s from inside. You become creative in beating a drum. We can teach you one rhythm, but when you sit down and listen you can blend your timing to whatever music. You be creative.”
And creativity for this group is not hard to come by. Two weeks into the four-week course, the participants say they have mastered the concepts and are enjoying themselves.
Stephanie Sultan, Drumming Student
“It was easy for me because I learn real fast. It was great learning how to play drums and the beats…It’s been a great course because I always wanted to play drums and you know, the different beats. I’ve been learning. It’s been great.”
Keenan Lopez, Drumming Student
“Easy. As long as you deh concentrate on what dem di teach yoh and noh worry bout nothing else… The Paranda beat is very slow and the Punta beat is kinda a little faster.”
Stephanie Palacio, Student Drummer
“We learned how to play the different types of rhythm they have. How to keep the beat of the drum going.”
Patrick Jones
“Was it very easy for you to learn that?”
Stephanie Palacio
“No not at first. But since I’ve learned it I think it’s easy.”
With the easy part under their belts, Thomas says the novice drummers are now learning to make their own drums, starting from scratch.
Dax Delbert Thomas
“We brought the woods, just the way they cut it from the forest. They peeled it, shaped it and they’re going to dig it out. Then we’re going to the Port Loyola area in the jungle and look for the “tie-tie” for the drums. We’re going to get the skins, clean the skins and they will learn to put the skin on the drums, rope the drum and each student at the end of the course will have to make their own drum.”
And with three weeks still to go before the end of this year’s course, organizers say they are already encouraged by the progress that has been made so far.
Jason Guerrero, Music Coordinator, House of Culture
“What I enjoy mostly is seeing a child struggling, you know, start the program struggling with rhythm, with coordination between the hands and eyes and then see them slowly develop. And they are really getting into it. I have a feeling, I wouldn’t be surprised if most of them are practicing at home because I can see a vast improvement from one lesson to the next.”
Patrick Jones
“Beating a Garifuna drum is not as easy as it sounds. Those who are versed in the art say all it takes is coordination of the hands, eyes and ears. In my case, I need a lot of work.”
Thomas says that in addition to the summer programme at the House of Culture, there are plans to open a private school to teach drumming and traditional Garifuna dances all year round.
