By Kulture Queen
Published June 8, 2023
In the bustling tapestry of modern life, we find ourselves entangled in a web of relentless pressures. We are the inheritors of an era burdened with the weight of unrealistic standards imposed upon us by various authority figures. We navigate through a labyrinth of contradictions and paradoxes, constantly subjected to peer pressure and comparison. Amidst all this, we find ourselves drowning in the sea of endless escapism options, as the very values that once anchored us seem to slip away in an “anything-goes” culture. It’s true, we are a generation grappling with profound societal issues, struggling to navigate existential crises, grappling with the plight of assault victims, and desperately seeking meaningful ways to support those facing dire circumstances. We may seem like a messed up lot, lost amidst the chaos. Let’s not even talk about corruption, the big enemy of progress.
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Yet, within the depths of our collective soul, lies the power to heal. We possess the extraordinary ability to embrace the age-old wisdom of our ancestors, tapping into the profound art of using music as a salve for our wounds. We are the lot in history that will save the world.
Once upon a time, in the heart of our communities, a beautiful tradition thrived. Whenever an individual felt the weight of the world upon their shoulders—cast down, weary, and troubled—the collective would encircle them, weaving a tapestry of voices and movements. Singing and dancing, they would envelop the troubled soul, their harmonies resonating in perfect unison. The melody wove its enchanting spell, chasing away the blues, and by the end, all would emerge refreshed and reinvigorated, ready to face the challenges of another day. The healing power of music, transcending time and circumstance, embracing the weary and granting them strength to confront their tribulations head-on.
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In the vibrant city of Nairobi, Kenya, on every first Friday of the month, an enchanting phenomenon unfolds. Dream Kona, a haven of pulsating rhythms, hosts an awe-inspiring gathering known as The Drum Circle. Picture this: drums arrayed in a captivating circle, accompanied by a symphony of drumsticks awaiting eager hands. Here, the enchantment unfolds, and anyone with a whisper of curiosity can partake. You need not be a master percussionist, for within each of us resides an innate rhythm, particularly true for us, the radiant melanated folk. The circle comes alive under the guidance of a chosen conductor, their energy guiding the collective heartbeat as they traverse a sonic journey of unity and joy. No rocket science here, but an exquisite symphony of pure, unadulterated fun.
This month, the Burundi Empire Drummers charmed the audience with an electrifying drumming session and dance, oh, culture is so beautiful. To learn more about the Burundi Empire Drummers, check out the Did you Know section of the Music Edition of Kulture Magazine.
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Journey further, and you will discover Conscious Kenya, a spiritually infused collective that harnesses the profound power of music to facilitate healing. It was my privilege to attend a medicine song circle, a celebration of soulful melodies that resonated deep within my being. The instruments spoke with gentle authority—a drum, kalimbas, shakers—and the air filled with the rhythmic clapping and enchanting harmonies of unskilled yet very skilled vocalists. In that moment, I realized that music is woven into the very fabric of our existence. It is a sacred tool, capable of releasing pent-up emotions, expressing the inexpressible, fostering relaxation, and serving a myriad of profound purposes.
Allow me to regale you with a tale of my dear friend, Kake Wakake, a seasoned Nyaiti player. Recently, he embarked on a mission of compassion, carrying his Nyatiti to the bedside of a sick friend within the hallowed walls of the Coptic hospital. Oh, how his melodious touch resonated with the very essence of his ailing companion! Miraculously, the following day brought news of significant improvement, as if the music had cast a spell of recovery. It is no wonder that we soothe babies with tender lullabies and find solace in the melodies that lull us into a peaceful slumber. Music possesses an inherent magic, an otherworldly quality that elevates us to higher vibrations where our spirits truly belong.
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In the depths of our beings, we harbour the capacity to transcend the limitations imposed upon us and cast aside the shackles of false beliefs. I still recall the astonishment I felt when first encountering a shaker and a djembe drum. To my amazement, I discovered an innate ability to play these instruments without any prior training. It was as if the music whispered its secrets to me, and I merely followed its rhythmic call. Today, as I walk through life’s adventures, a small shaker nestled within my bag, I feel a stirring desire to embrace more instruments—a small djembe, a kalimba—empowering me to craft melodies that resonate with my soul.
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When the weight of the world bears down upon your shoulders, when emotions threaten to consume you or your sense of rhythm seeks to explore uncharted territories, I implore you to join the vibrant drum circle in Nairobi’s CBD. Seek out the Jobless Corner spot, opposite the archives and Kencom. Watch out for the next Cocsious Kenya’s Medicine Song Circle. Immerse yourself in the pulsating beats, surrender to the collective energy, and allow the music to weave its spell upon you. When you depart, you will be transformed—overflowing with happiness, brimming with vitality, and basking in the gentle embrace of a profoundly healing experience.
Music, my friend, is a gateway to the essence of our being, a timeless force that has the power to heal, uplift, and guide us to the harmonious symphony that awaits within us all.