Search - African Drumming on DVD

African drumming

Michael Velissariou | 11/17/2006

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD presents authentic African drumming from a master and as such is invaluable. I thought it is aimed more at beginners but there are plenty of tips for more advanced players. Baba is thorough in his explanations and demonstrations of basic strokes although a little slow moving. All lessons are demonstrated by excellent performances with his trio 'drums of passion' and this is what makes this a valuable acquisition although I wish more of the material was aimed towards advanced players and the performances were a bit longer. An excellent DVD for beginners."

The essential knowledge from the master

Paul Skiff | NYC | 03/14/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At the time of the production of this instructional Olatunji had over 50 years of teaching experience and no real peer, especially when he combines information about technique with the deeper cultural basis for the music. So not only do you get a lesson from a master drummer you get the lesson from a master teacher. Very fundamental techniques for obtaining the proper sounds are covered and the instruction progresses to examples of advanced ensemble playing. The fundamentals are stressed, and you are provided with the examples of Olatunji's own demonstrations along with two of his long-time Drums of Passion members, Sikiru Adepoju and Sanga Francis. Recording the sounds of a drum is always problematic but the sound quality here is very good so the distinctive differences in the basic sounds of the drum come across with good accuracy for the student to hear. As simple as a hand drum may seem the African music and rhythms taught by Olatunji have a sophistication but he conveys it all without making it over complicated. The pace of the instruction allows for a good level of concentration. With any recorded musical instruction one is mostly going to get a grounding and a concentration of main points to follow, this recording does that very well. Since Olatunji has passed on this is the closest you will get to having a personal lesson from him now. You can't help feeling like you want more time as his student."

Good for beginning djembe/hand drum players

Charles E. Rey | 01/18/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a simplified method for those who may be getting started or simply are curious about playing a djembe or hand drum. You don't have to know how to read music to use this method. For intermediate/advanced players this may be too easy, but even I found some of Babatunde's method practicable. This is a good supplement to taking lessons with a competent teacher."

Nothing beyond the basic strokes

F. AHMAD | Houston, Texas | 11/30/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Save your money - don't buy this DVD. The presenter talks excruciatingly slow and does not get beyond the basic strokes, i.e. bass ("gun" according to the presenter), tone (go/do...right and left tone), and slap (pa/ta...right and left slaps). There are better DVDs out there (like the one by Steve Leicach (sp?), which actually gets into a few West African rythms)."