After a fun-filled, yet heavy night with an amazing Drum Circle. I woke up to get ready for our final Pyramid of Rhythm class. The day started with announcements from Kelvin as to what we should expect from this evening’s performance: A lot of energy and chaos was the crux of it…

It was then Mamady’s turn to speak with us. By now we had spent five days learning new rhythm and phrases and carefully stacked them one on top of another. It was now time to go over this from the top and iron out any creases.

After an initial, rather rusty run through we had to get ready to stand up and play because that’s how it was going to be at the performance. Hence, we strapped up and got into our formation. On stage were the intermediate students, some of the advance students and the dununs. Below, right with the audience were the soloists and Mamady himself.

After two rehearsals, we got ready for lunch and departure in our carpool groups from the previous night. At lunch we met mother Robin from Bhoomi Sehat, the NGO for  whom we were playing and raising money. She is an extremely driven and down to Earth woman. I think a life dedicated to a purpose does that. She gleamed with a sense of calm and strength and carried it with grace and dignity. I felt proud to be able to give something back to the local social labyrinth. It was then time to leave. The venue, located in the centre  of the  city awaited us…

This was where we were to take centre stage. Sue marks the spot!

As the performers trickled in, I thought I could make the most of the waiting time and bring back some memories of the people I met from this times workshop… Here’s Michi Henning from Australia…

The cool and calm, James ‘Karinka’ Kwan from Hong Kong… (He was the one who would solo after me. My slot was solo # 3 in the rhythm Kuruni. I was to start after ‘Kay’ from  China. Honestly, I don’t remember how I did but all I do remember is Mamady’s words… “Play for your country, carry your flag, like in the Olympics and play with joy.” So after taking his blessings I played. There are many things I would do differently when I think about it now… But that is the fruit of practice and experience; fluency under tremendous adrenalin flow!

… Onward to team Japan, Ken Tokuda to my right and Hiroki Murai to my left. Both these souls led with grace and strength; inspite of a cold and flu, they marched on.

… With Djembefola and Djembe maker extraordinaire, Jeremy Tomasck. Some of you in India, (Satyajit and Bipin) shall have his djembes very soon…

… This is with the charming and supremely talented Tara Tucker, director of TTM Cairns. A little birdie told me we are going to get to see her soon this year… So, keep watching for more…

… All of us strapped up and took our positions on stage and in front  of the stage. From this perspective I was in front of stage to the extreme left and hence not in this photo but you get the picture… don’t you…? The rest is history. I have no specific memory of the performance but all I remember is that each and every one of us played our hearts out and made sure that we gave it all our energy, happiness and love because that’s exactly all that has gone into this week-long process of creation and learning…

…After the performance and after gradually winding down we made our way to Bebek Bengil, a lovely restaurant that served a special dish called the ‘Dirty Duck,’ which was fried to perfection and served with a sautéed and spiced piece of sweet lime that made the experience crunchy and juicy all at the same time. As if this was not enough, we were in store for a performance by our fellow student, Chatur’s band. The band showcased music from Senegal and created the perfect ambience for some conversation and most importantly, some dance moves… Mamady and then Kelvin joined them for a song…

… It was only a matter of sometime before the TTM heavy weights joined the band for a section each… Next was Sekou’s turn…

… Next was Jeremy… While all this was happening yours truly was leading what seemed to be a growing dance population with some Bollywood moves…

… Linda Nathan, Australia’s second certified TTM teacher laying down some chops…

… Even Mamady could not contain the dancer in him; at least not until he passed the dancing groups on his way to the loo… Sekou did the honours on the Djembe… The party continued until we were all danced out and had our go at the Djembe and the Bollywood dance moves. Big up to the band for supporting us whole-heartedly and with vigour from the first note will the last… What followed that night back at the resort was a wonderful gathering of people from all over the world around the big swimming pool singing songs from their culture and sharing the joy and love that each and every one of us created ourselves. This would after all, be our takeaway from this workshop; the people, connections, memories and rhythms…

The next day, I woke up with groggy eyes and a heavy heart to see some of the people off, with whom I spent only a short while with but whom I have come to know and love very deeply… We set up a photo booth where all our goodbye pictures would be taken. This one is with Namory and Kelvin…

… Here’s my brother from another mother, Derrel Sekou Soumah Walker…

… This is with Namory, sporting the Taal Inc. T and me sporting a “controversial” T; but my Indian friends, you’ll know that it is completely harmless, isn’t it?

… And finally, this is one with the Master himself. This time around I felt closer and more connected with Mamady. I begin to understand more and more what the Djembe is and what being a Djembefola represents and entails…

Thanks to Mamady and each and everyone present at Mini Guinea Camp Asia, Bali 2012 and all those back home in Pune from  Taal Inc. who support me, I walk this path with my head held high, keen ears, a heart full of love and a rhythm on my mind…

Come. Drum. Be One.

Taal Inc.