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Gambian Update

Gambian Update

Many of you will know that Mohammed and his family returned to Guinea last year. He produced some stunning quality Fair Trade musical instruments, particularly Djembe Drums. We called at his compound in the Gambia but his house was locked. His friends mentioned that he would be returning 'soon'! The other good news is that from our contacts in the UK, we met Bouba. We are very fortunate then to have another excellent drum and percussion instrument maker. Bouba (short for Boubacar) is also from Guinea but presently based in the Gambia. We visited his factory and Trish commissioned a special Lienge wood drum as a prototype. Watch this blog for further info concerning these drums. Bouba then for the forseeable future will supply us with all our Djembe Drums, skins, and percussion instruments.

David & Bouba in Kotu with prototype drum

Natural Flow Direct's Gambian Compound

Trish and David have been visiting the Gambia for many years. They have friends there and find it a place for 'charging up their batteries' after the yearly cycle of managing their Fair Trade Musical Instruments and Clothing business. When they arrived in January of 2007, an opportunity arrose to purchase a compound in Brufut. Brufut is a particularly beautiful area close to a wonderful beach and near one of the Gambia's main artuary roads. The land will be looked after by the long term friends Musa and Hassan. They will finish blocking a perimeter fence and in the rainy season grow food crops such as Cassava (high protein vegetable).

Brufut compound with Moses in background

Brufut compound, thanks to google and wikimapia

Gambian Musicians

As usual we met many musicians and saw some great live troupes. Of special note were two bands, the first being Batafon Arts, and secondly Roots Manding, a local Bakau troupe. They played at the famous Lama-Lama venue in Bakau to a mainly local audience. Driving lead Djembe backed up by two Conga sets and Djun-Djuns! Vocals were from our friend P N'dow. Skillful dancers up front to engage with the audience.

Roots Manding, Lama-Lama Bar, Bakau, 6th Jan, 2007

Moses and David

Christmas is coming! Natural Flow are really busy at this time of year and we are now working from two sites. One of which is our old storage warehouse and the other is our packing and distribution centre. For those that don't know, Andrew is now in charge of our distribution operation and driving our internet commerce / search engine optimisation. He can be reached at ball.andrew@gmail.com for any website / internet queries. As for our many new products, these include our Fair Trade African Djembe Drums, from our new supplier Buba. These new products will be available on our Fair Trade Percussion Website and eBay store soon.

Natural Flow Direct - Fair Trade Percussion Instruments now on eBay express This new shop is for professional sellers and combines the fantastic servce of eBay with full e-commerce facilities and a shopping cart to make buying much more user friendly.

View Fair Trade items on eBay Express!

Natural Flow Direct Awarded "Buy With Confidence" Approved Trader Status East Sussex Trading Standards awarded us with the honor in August 2006 after a lengthy period of consultation with past customers, taking references and visits to the warehouse.

David with the Chairman of East Sussex County Council John Barnes. "Buy With Confidence" awarded on September 22nd 2006.

The Trading Standards Department of East Sussex County Council have given us the BWC approved trader status award, so now Natural Flow Direct really does 'stand out from the crowd'. We are committed to 1st class customer service. Not bought from us before? Try us for our Fair Trade Percussion Instruments and see the difference. You will not be disappointed!

Natural Flow in India! Our Fair Trade travels continue. We were in Goa from the middle of January for two weeks, 2006. Highlights included:

1. Meeting Sona from Karnataka
2. Trish having intensive Tabla Drum lessons
3. Seeing a live open air dance performance of Kathakali

Goa - 12/01/06 - 27/01/06 1. Sona from Karnataka We met Sona and her family at the regular night market, near Baga in Goa. We got on really well and saw her several times during our holiday. Karnatakan women are very stunningly dressed in their traditional clothes which are heavily decorated with mirrors, bead work, bells and hand-woven textile. Trish with Sona on her market stall 2. Tabla lessons from the 'Master'! We also met Shailendra early in our holiday. He is a Tabla teacher at local schools in Quitla and also a professional musician. Trish has always been interested inTabla so Shailendra agreed to give her 1-on-1 lessons intensively. We were really grateful to him as he was busy with his work but travelled for over an hour to get to where we lived. Shailendra was very patient in his teaching method, and became a good friend. Anyone wanting lessons in Northern Goa can contact him on with the following details: Shailendra Palni - 9822182958 (mobile), 08323950365 (home) Shailendra putting Trish through her tabla paces... Shailendra - 'Master' tabla player 3. Kathakali Dance We had never heard of Kathakali, the classical dance form of Kerala. This particular dance form originated during the 17th century. Stories for the performance we saw were taken from epics called 'Ramayana and Mahabharatha'. The performance was recited by voice, accompanied by drum and cymbals in a unique rhythm. Kathakali artists undergo 8-10 years training in Kalari (school of arts). Kathakali is generally presented in temples from dusk until dawn during festivals. Particular aspects which we saw included:

• Traditional form of worship (Vandanan)
• Various types of eye movements (Kaanu Sadakam)
• Emotional face gestures (Navarasam)
• Hand gestures (Mudra)

The men 'transforming' themselves for the performance Trish with lord Shiva (black face) and Arjuna (green face) Africa Update: HELP NEEDED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We need your help! Our African supplier of stunning Djembe drums and percussion, Mohammed, really needs your help... Late last year our freight prices to transport our drums rose massively. So much so that our regular drum orders from West Africa (Gambia) have had to be temporarily put on hold! Does anyone know of any commercial carriers, either air freight or sea freight that could help us? Contact us on 01424-220688 or contact us via the website www.naturalflowdirect.com Our drum 'family', Mohammed, Haja (his wife) and Isha (their daughter) Mohammed's Djembe drums on sale at Pestallozi music festival, Hastings, UK, in 2005

Why We Believe in Fair Trade! If you could imagine the entire world population shrunk down to a village of just 100 people, with all existing human ratios remaining the same, what would we have? There would be: 57 Asians 21 Europeans 14 from the Americas 8 Africans 52 would be female 48 would be male 70 would be non-Christan 30 would Christian 89 would be heterosexual 11 would be homosexual 6 of the people would possess 59% of the village's wealth, and all six would be from the United States 80 would be living in sub-standard housing 70 would be unable to read 50 would suffer from malnutrition 1 would be near death 1 would be near birth 1 (yes, only 1) would have a college education 1 would own a computer So, if you have food in the kitchen, clothes on your back, shelter and somewhere to sleep you are richer than 75% of the world's population. If you have money in the bank and some spare change, you are in the top 8% of the world's wealthiest people. And if you can read this, then you are luckier than the 2 billion people in the world who cannot read at all. Makes you think, doesn't it?

Gambian Beach Drumming Its that time of year and the weather is starting to cool down. I am sitting here with my drum trying to imagine being back in the Gambia sitting on the beach with friends watching the sun go down as the mossies come out to play.

I start to play some Jola rhythms on my Djembe and already I'm feeling warmer.

Natural Flow Drumming - excitement for life - COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLES Natural Flow support Fair Trade Percussion Instruments - Natural Flow Direct

Ever wonder what it would be like to be able to share a sense of harmony, well-being, trust and companionship with a group of like-minded people? This is the experience of a Community drum circle. Fun, entertainment, stress relief, healing, creativity, improved confidence and self-esteem, mental clarity and focus are all experiences to be gained through rhythmical communion, by drum circle participants. rhythm... Rhythm is timeless, a universal language inherent in our selves, and found everywhere in the world around us, from the beating of our hearts to the flow of our breath, from the tapping of our fingers to the shuffling of our feet. Rhythm draws us together to connect. drum circles... Are available within the general community, or for specified events such as: ...schools & colleges - youth centres - kids at risk Drum Circles provide space and freedom for young people to creatively channel and release pent-up emotions or frustrations, which are a natural part of growing up. It is a fun, high-energy activity, which provides immediate satisfaction and enjoyment. ...corporate team building - conferences Drum circle activities have been demonstrated to create or enhance positive team dynamics within a very short period of time. This can be useful as a warm up activity, as it then allows other facilitators to achieve more success with follow-up work. In terms of group dynamics, comparisons can often be seen between the drum circle and the work team. For example: co-operation/competition, individual/group contribution or needs, effective/dysfunctional communication, leaders/followers. ...women's groups group Provides a safe and supportive environment, encourages a sense of community and enables women to express themselves creatively. ...well elderly ...personal growth groups ...private parties ...festivals ...community/social events Whatever category or environment you choose, participation in Drum Circles encourages greater self-expression and creativity, helps build stronger communication skills through cooperation and enhances one's self confidence and self-esteem. If you would like more information or to make and enquiry about African drumming and drum circles please feel free to either contact us via email at enquiries@naturalflowdirect.com

Drumfire

african drum & dance band

We are Drumfire, an african drum and dance group from the UK and Gambia. Now based in Bexhill and Hastings, the core band members - Trish Walmsley, Julian Humphries, Ed Collins, Deborah Kelly, Tony Collie, Emmett Ives, Kim, Emma and Simon Spare - have performed traditional West African rhythms and dances together for over five years in venues along the south coast and at events such as Hastings Carnival 2004, Rye Bonfire and the Earth Spirit Festival. We share a passion for playing and have many years of drumming and dance experience between us. We also teach drumming and dance to children of all ages at a number of schools around East Sussex, either on a one-off demonstration basis or at hands-on weekly sessions, as a group or individually, and are continuing to "spread the word" on the benefits of group drum circles through performances, facilitated events and regular workshops. Recent workshops have taken place at: Temple Grove, Nr Uckfield King Offa, Bexhill All Saints, Sidley Burwash CE Primary Most of us are CRB police checked for working in schools and we jump at the chance to communicate our enthusiasm for drum-music and performance to new schools and groups of students. Drumfire Northfield Bungalow Farnham Lane Langton Green Tunbridge Wells Kent TN3 0DJ 07905 469295 simon.spare@virgin.net

African Drums and Rhythms Information Sheet AFRICA is a continent of rhythm and dance. Before it was colonised by the European nations in the 17th and 18th centuries, it was divided into different empires and kingdoms. Each had their own traditions, songs and drums. The DJEMBE (jem-bay) was the drum of the the Mandinke people, from the great West African Mali Empire of the 12th century, situated in the present-day countries of Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal and Gambia. It has become the most widely played of all African instruments. Today, as before, it is used to celebrate times of importance in village life such as baptism, weddings, full moons, harvest etc, and through the popularity of world music, it's appeal is spreading on a daily basis. The DJEMBE is a "goblet" shaped drum with a skin (usually goat) stretched over one end. It is played with the hands as part of a group of drums. The other drums in this group are cylindrical and have cow skin heads. Played with a large stick, they come in three sizes and are called the kenkeni (smallest & highest), the sangban (middle) and the dundunba (biggest and lowest). A bell is played at the same time, completing the ensemble. Traditional West African Rhythms are normally "polyrhythms". This means that there are 4 or 5, and sometimes even 6 or 7 different parts that go together to make each rhythm, and they are often accompanied by singing and a dance. Most rhythms are played for specific occasions, some are mask dances - others are played only at football matches! Rhythms include: Kakilambe, Liberte, Dimbadun, Soko, Soca, Koukou, African Rhumba, Tiriba, Babobo, Yankadi, Kpanlogo, Yole, Cassa, Sorsonet, Mandiani, Doundounba, Fanga, Diagbe, Fankani, Marakadon, Soli, Abondon. - Plenty to learn, you see! Other drums from Africa include: Sabar, Bougarabou, Frontonfrom, Atumpan, Apentema, Apetia, Bobo, Brekete, Atsimevu, Sogo, Kidi, Kagan, Kroboto, Totodzi, Kpanlogo, Oslama, Kete, Kurukutu, Sakara, Togo, Bada, Bata and Talking Drums. How to play the djembe. There are three main notes played on the djembe. 1) The BASS, played with the flat of the hand in the middle of the drum - a deep "booming" sound. 2) The TONE, played with the bottom pads of the fingers towards the edge of the drumskin, fingers outstretched - a "thick" note. 3) The SLAP, played by striking the edge of the drum with the palm of the hand and allowing the fingers to "flap" into the drumskin - a "sharp, dry, cracking" sound. Like the tone, this takes a while to get right. Most West African djembe rhythms are a combination of these three notes. The arm bends at the elbow and not at the wrist. This gives more power and greater control. Don't forget to take rings off first! The CALL is played by the lead djembe player. As the name suggests, it calls everybody into the rhythm, shows them where to start and at what speed they should play. It is also used to draw the song to a close, and sometimes to bring a change of rhythm in the middle of the song. The other thing to bear in mind is the tempo, which can change dramatically during the song. Usually, we start slowly and speed up either gradually or at a given point. This is called the echauffement (literally "heating up"), and can result in some very fast playing towards the end! Above all, the most important thing about African Drumming is to have FUN. You hardly ever see someone playing drums without a big smile on their face. It's something you can do on your own, or in a group (or "circle"), loudly or quietly, fast or slow - it doesn't matter. Once you get the knack of playing, you won't want to stop. And the more you play, the better you'll get. So ENJOY YOURSELF!! Rhythm Notation. Traditionally, West African rhythms were passed from generation to generation by word of mouth. More recently, various ways of writing down rhythms have been devised. All show the order the different notes are played in, but my favourite shows which hand to use as well. If you are left-handed, just change left for right. Here's an example. African Rhumba. B - Right hand bass b - Left hand bass T - Right hand tone t - Left hand tone S - Right hand slap s - Left hand slap x - Gap Djembe 1 b x T t B x S x b x T t B x S x Djembe 2 x x S s x x S s x x S s T t S s Dunduns - Only Dundunba and Sangban in this particular song. D - Dundunba S - Sangban 0 - Bell D x x x S x S x D x x x S x S x Bell x 0 x 0 x 0 x 0 x 0 x 0 x 0 x 0 Call - Djembe Ss x S s x S x s S x T t T t x x Simon G Spare C/o Northfield Bungalow Farnham Lane Langton Green Tunbridge Wells TN3 0DJ 01892 862452 07905 469295 simon.spare@virgin.net For more information on drumming workshops and Drumfire performances please contact Simon. See details above. Drumfire support Fair Trade Percussion Instruments at Natural Flow Direct