Photos
and story By DEBORAH A. MILESIt’s a warm summer night in Saratoga Springs. Broadway is jammed with locals and tourists enjoying the shops and restaurants. On one corner, you can hear distinct drumming, a sound native to Africa and gaining popularity in the U.S.
The music is streaming from a band called the African Experience, founded by PEF member Wayne White. A crowd gathers around a female dancer as three young men tap and pound the tightly drawn goat skins on a drum called djembe.
“We play out a lot,” White said. “You don’t need a permit to set-up in Saratoga. It’s a great venue for street musicians.
“I’m often asked how I got immersed in the African culture. I tell people drumming is not a matter of ethnic background but, rather, what type of music you connect with as an individual.”
White, whose day job is an information technology specialist at the state Insurance Fund, said he has been hooked on drumming since 1995. One of his college professors heard him tapping on a little drum and became his mentor.
Since then, White has formed a group, teaches at the Center for Nia Yoga in Albany and at the Saratoga Springs continuing education program available through the high school. He also gives private lessons.
True rhythm
“Most drummers in rock bands use a drum kit with multiple drums and cymbals and they play with sticks. We just play with our hands. Some of the West African songs are very old,” White said.
“Sometimes I find this music to be very foreign-sounding to westerners. That’s because they don’t understand or appreciate it.”
White not only learns the songs, but studies the people and culture of West Africa.
“I am fascinated by the stories that go along with each song,” he said.
“Some are very distinct, such as a song called ‘Soli.’ It is played when a boy is circumcised. In Africa, that’s not done at birth. It’s when a boy is moving forward into manhood. It’s usually a group of boys who have this done. The villagers will play ‘Soli’ all day and all night,” White said.
Another example is a song called “Agrico” to celebrate life and harvesting. White said the villagers take the drums to the field while others dance.
“The dance movement goes with it,” White said. “There is one move where you plant the seeds, another to water the field, and another to harvest the vegetables. It shows how much thought West Africans put into their art and culture.”
Up
and comingWhite has a CD out called “In the Drum.” It has 12 tracks with original music and some classic West African melodies. His co-workers in the Fiscal Information Technology group supported his music by attending the CD-release party in 2007 in Saratoga.
White’s Web site, www.lovetodrum.com, has all the information about his classes and gigs. His goal is to expand the site with a comprehensive link to all the African drumming events in the state.
“There is no one source for this music. It will be a big undertaking, but I hope to get it going sometime this year.”
In the meantime, if you happen to be strolling down the streets in Saratoga, you may be lured to a corner by the beat of his djembe.
