Woza!

A voice calls "Woza, woza" (meaning, "keep moving" in Xhosa,) interspersed with drumbeats. The heat and sun leaves few sane to observe Sticks, as he instructs Mphumzi, on drums. The youngest and most competant drum student, Mphumzi is attentive as Sticks dances with the drumkit teaching Mphumzi to count in 4/4 time.

Rhythm, is the backbone to a solid musician. Sticks recognizes this. With each touch of the drumkit his body movement, and wrist action entices interest. Employed in September 2010, Sticks currently teaches six students, and has more lined up. His musical energy, is contagious. Teaching in the schools main room, passerby's and students alike, have the joy of witnessing his lessons.

Ntonga is grateful to have Sticks. He instructs three days a week teaching new rhythms interspresed with theory. When asked why he teaches at Ntonga, Sticks replied, "there is a shortage of drummers in Cape Town, and, I want to pass on my knowledge to the younger generation."

To return to PFCF main page or make a donation, click on the below link:
www.playingforchange.org

Playing for Change Band member and manager visit Ntonga Music School

Erika Duffee, the Playing for Change Band Manager, and Mohammed Alidu, a band member, visited Ntonga Music School during their stay in Cape Town, South Africa, December 2010. Despite summer break, three dedicated students currently in the Ntonga student ensemble, Yonelisa Wambi, Prince Mafu and Enkosinati, came to Ntonga to meet Erika and Alidu. Alidu shared his musical journey with the students. Originally from the remote village of Tamale, in Northern Ghana, he now tours the world with the Playing for Change Band, and is the program founder of a Playing for Change Music School,the Bizung Music and Dance School in Tamale, Ghana. His journey is a source of inspiration to Ntonga students. It is one of dedication, perseverance, and patience. After sharing his story, Alidu invited Yonelisa to play guitar. Alidu soon joined him on his talking drum. This musical interaction revealed the power music has to connect humanity. Kids from the surrounding community soon joined the musical moment, forming a circle around the musicians. As Alidu and Erika reminded the students, music is a powerful tool. It has the power to communicate without words. Erika and Alidu’s visit encouraged and reminded Ntonga students that success in any career is a combination of talent and luck!

To return to PFCF main page or make a donation, click on the below link:
www.playingforchange.org