Beating stress one drum beat at a time
Djembe drumming enthusiast believes in the healing power of the beat.
Owner of the Durban based Drumshack, Jonathan Pimenta, believes in the healing power of djembe drumming.
“I have had 15 encounters where I have witnessed the healing effect of drumming on people suffering from all kinds of mental and physical conditions. The music allows people to escape their problems with each beat of the drum skin,” said Pimenta.
The drumming enthusiast said that while it may be true that drum therapy has been around for thousands of years, it is also true that in the 20th and 21st centuries, science has been used in an attempt to verify the therapeutic effects of drum therapy and its rhythmic techniques.
Much to the delight of drummers everywhere, some studies show that drumming accelerates physical healing, boosts the immune system, produces feelings of well-being and even has a calming effect on people suffering from autism, Alzheimer’s and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
“Drum circles have no beginning or end, no top or bottom. Such a construction places every participant on equal footing, another important component in a therapeutic situation.”
Pimenta has been drumming his whole adult life, but said it was at his drum teacher’s live performance in 1999 when he first saw the djembe in action and heard its unique sound.
“I was totally inspired to play as I was awakened by the sound of the djembe and having been playing for 15 years now, the feeling of smacking that drum and creating music with others is indescribable. Music is an art that is part of
man’s free spirit and a drum circle is a fun, exciting and powerful way to bring individuals together through music.”
He is thrilled with the momentum djembe drumming is gaining in the region and would love to see the musical phenomenon arrive and thrive in Ballito.
“I have received over 40 calls from people expressing a keen interest to attend a drum circle in Ballito.
“The purpose of a facilitated drum circle is to promote a safe, stress-free and entertaining environment that empowers participants while enhancing their experience through the cues of seeing, hearing and feeling the drum.”
For more information, contact Jonathan Pimenta on 083 7044 879.
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