Poll on White Involvement in this culture

[James]

I wanted to put a poll out there concerning this article which relates to some strong opinions held by some African Americans (apparently) concerning resentment towards white (not asian) people who
a) are arrogant in their unqualified authority in relation to this dance and drumming
b) they would prefer not to partake in classes etc.

Read the article for full article for details and then come and vote.

[honeybee3]

As a person of Irish/Scots descent I am truly sorry that this 'white attitude' has been displayed . Humility is something all of us stuggle with.
That said, I was introducted to African drumming near San Francisco by a student of Baratunde Olatunji, who was deemed a qualified teacher as per Baba. I had the honor of meeting him and shaking his hand shortly before he died. A humble and generous person who welcomed on and all, White, Black, Brown and all shades inbetween. His goal was to pass on traditional West African drumming to all who desired to learn.
It must be true that to a decendent of West Africa, West African drumming is in their heart and soul. No one can dispute that. Just has my heart skips a beat when I hear the bagpipes. I was delighted to see a tall and very dark man of African decent as major of a Bigpipe band. I celebrate that diversity. Another Pipe Band was made up entirely of South Korens.
When all of us are in our mother's womb we're lulled by her heart beat, our first drum. All native peoples have drumming for a wide variety uses. I admire and aspire to do my utmost to honor the gift of African drumming and how it speaks to my white heart and soul. I also see this a way for the 'Whites' to gian a deeper understanding of our Black sisters and brothers. Honeybee

[kyleg_ayindisallc]

Hi James,

Unfortunately I did not get to read the article because I got a 404 message saying page not found. However, I would like to put my input on the subject.

I don't see it possible or plausible to say only one race can not interact well in something. Well, given certain scenarios possibly, but definitely not with drumming. I believe if you can understand the culture behind drumming and appreciate 'this cultures' history, and irregardless of your skin color you can be a part of it.

I have spent the last four years living in Ghana, West Africa, the capital of reggae music and West African drumming, and before I moved here, lived in Connecticut my entire life. I have seen whites and blacks perform beautifully together and learn from one another. If you have the passion, heart, and patience to learn, your skin will not matter.

However, there may be some truth in white people not being able to dance to a African tribal beet, haha...

Also, I work for an artisan crafts business named Ayindisa LLCthat sells handcrafts from Ghana to individuals and businesses in the US using fair trade principles. In March we had a 3 day sale in Ridgefield Connecticut and on the closing day a group of drummers from Wesleyan University arts department played for about three hours. This group was comprised of more white people then black people, yet played as good, if not better then any African village I've been to in Ghana, or drum circle in New York.

A certain group/kind of people only won't belong in a culture if the original members of it will not let them participate. Well, that’s my input. Hope it was somewhat relevant to the article, sorry again, I wasn't able to read it.

Kyle W. Gay
Director of Marketing, Ayindisa LLC
Socially Responsible Artisan Handcrafts
w: http://www.ayindisa.com/

[Dugafola]

Hi James,

I have spent the last four years living in Ghana, West Africa, the capital of reggae music and West African drumming, and before I moved here, lived in Connecticut my entire life.

that's an interesting statement. how much traveling around west africa did you do in your four years???

[kyleg_ayindisallc]

Hi James,

I have spent the last four years living in Ghana, West Africa, the capital of reggae music and West African drumming, and before I moved here, lived in Connecticut my entire life.

that's an interesting statement. how much traveling around west africa did you do in your four years???

Well to be quite honest, I have not traveled to a great extent around West Africa. In my four years I have only gone to Ghana and Togo; all across Ghana, and some of Togo. This was in a large part due to civil disorder in surrounding nations such as Liberia and the Ivory Coast, and the unfortunate danger posed to Americans in many areas of Nigeria.

Fortunately however, I have been able to be exposed to much of West Africa. I have been the vice-president of one of the Habitat For Humanity affiliate branches in Ghana, have visited and participated in aiding multiple villages. As well I have spent time in the Liberian refugee camps and been able to learn about Liberian culture. Also, for three years I participated in some United Nations work at the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Training Center located in Ghana. Most recently, the business I work for, Ayindisa LLC has partnered with Issac Hirt-Manheimer, Director of Enchanted Garden Music Conservatory in Ridgefield, CT to build the Sankofa Center for African Arts, the largest Cultural Center for African arts to date in Ghana, West Africa. Unfortunately, I will not be in Ghana when this is finished in 2009.

I have also worked with charities Engage Now, Ascend Alliance, The Forever Young Foundation, Boy Scouts of America, and Right to Play (amongst others) in Ghana, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

Have you had the opportunity to travel to West Africa or Africa? What are your intrests?

Thanks for reading my thoughts!

Kyle W. Gay
Director of Marketing, Ayindisa LLC
Socially Responsible Artisan Handcrafts
w: http://www.ayindisa.com/

[Dugafola]

sorry...i'm just picking on your comment that said Ghana is the capital of west african drumming and reggae...maybe for Ghana??

I've been to Africa 2x and my main interests are djembe and dunun.

nice decorations on your website by the way...

[kyleg_ayindisallc]

Ok, I apologize if I was a bit specific. I believe Ghana is certainly one of the capitals for drumming in West Africa. I may have semi-unconsciously been taking into account more where university students and interested ex-pats may travel to (more safely and easily) in order to learn more about West African culture, but regardless, your correct.

I'll admit my knowledge/expertise lies much more in business and Ghana - U.S. specifics.

Thank you for looking over the Ayindisa website. Would you like me to look over yours?

Where did you travel to in Africa?

Kyle W. Gay
Director of Marketing, Ayindisa LLC
Socially Responsible Artisan Handcrafts
w: http://www.ayindisa.com/

[Dugafola]

I've traveled around Guinea CKY both times i went.

i have a lot of friends who've been to Ghana to train with Aziza. ghana is probably the most stable country in west africa. from what i understand, it's very pan-african. it helps that they speak english there too.

i wish i had a website...soon though.