Joyful Beats

Our 10:30 Worship Service on Sunday, April 19, 2026 Features our own West African Drumming Group!

West African drumming connects us to the rhythmic celebration of nature and community, and is a “heartbeat of the earth”. The djembe drum was created to gather communities; to communicate, to celebrate, and to create peace. When we drum together, we remember something ancient and true: we are not meant to do life alone.

Featured Rhythms

Joyla – a non-traditional welcoming rhythm
Moribayassa – a traditional Malinke rhythm and dance from Guinea and West Africa, performed as a celebration of gratitude when a woman overcomes a significant life difficulty. Brought by Mamady Keita.
Akiwowo -“Chant to the Trainman” is a traditional Nigerian song and rhythm introduced by master drummer Babatunde Olatunji
Mato – Created by Amo Damas as a wedding gift for dear friends.
Fanga – a traditional Liberian welcome song and rhythm, introduced by Nigerian drummer Babatunde Olatunji.
Chant – *Fanga Alafia, ashé ashé

Appreciation vs Appropriation

Cultural appreciation of West African drumming involves studying the history, respecting the spiritual/cultural context, and learning from master drummers to honor the tradition. Appropriation occurs when rhythms are used without understanding, for profit, or disrespecting their cultural roots.

Djembeföla-Masters

Mamady Keïta was a Guinean djembe master. He was also the founder of the Tam Tam Mandingue.
Babatunde Olatunji was a Nigerian drummer, educator, social activist.
Amo Damas- Conakry, Guinea- adjunct professor at University if Florida, Gainesville, FL

Kathy A., Shannon, Julie, Ellen, Valerie, Bruce, Claudia, Peg, Janis, and another Kathy!