Unbeatable Energy's Epic Adventure To Africa
Unbeatable Energy's Epic Adventure To Africa
Sidiki’s band, featuring vocalists, instrumentalists, and drummers, added a unique flavour to our workshops, creating a mesmerizing blend of rhythms and melodies. His dedication to showcasing African culture extended beyond music, with enlightening excursions and festival experiences that gave us a deeper understanding of the community.
The course far exceeded expectations, thanks to Sidiki’s commitment to authenticity and punctuality. I am eager to share the rich music and insights gained with the schools, businesses, and community groups I work with back home. This experience has been truly unforgettable, shaping my perspective on music and culture in profound ways.
Free School Drumming Lessons - Teach Your Students Online!
Free School Drumming Lessons - Teach Your Students Online!
Put a drum in front of a child and they don't need to ask what to do - they can play already. But how do you help young children discover that a drum is not just something with which to create noise, but, with a few steps, can create music. This fun, easy game helps young children learn 'turn-taking' to create rhythm dialogue. It also helps them appreciate the way little 'pockets of silence' transform a group sound from noise to instant drum music.
When I went to Gambia over 20 years ago I was amazed by the way that people were able to create so much sonic power in a single clap.
From ‘ear splitting’ high fives to more subtle ‘popping’ pulse beats to accompany songs, the people in West Africa showed me that even without a drum, I could harness the power of the drum beat just using my own hands.
This video shows teachers and drumming enthusiasts how to create this awesome ‘popping’ clap beat – which I call the ‘Starfish’ clap. After learning the clap sound, stay on the video to learn an easy ‘off beat’ rhythm which has worked with children as young as 6 years old.
Free African Drum Lessons - Mix mix 4/4 + 6/8 Pulse
Free African Drum Lessons - Mix mix 4/4 + 6/8 Pulse
This is an easy exercise to help you get comfortable with playing rhythms where there is a cross-over between a pulse in 3s and a pulse in 2s. Getting started with this simple technique will open many possibilities to develop polyrhythmic patterns and help you get to grips with djembe and dundun rhythm arrangements where the two pulses can be felt simultaneously.
Sidiki’s band, featuring vocalists, instrumentalists, and drummers, added a unique flavour to our workshops, creating a mesmerizing blend of rhythms and melodies. His dedication to showcasing African culture extended beyond music, with enlightening excursions and festival experiences that gave us a deeper understanding of the community.
The course far exceeded expectations, thanks to Sidiki’s commitment to authenticity and punctuality. I am eager to share the rich music and insights gained with the schools, businesses, and community groups I work with back home. This experience has been truly unforgettable, shaping my perspective on music and culture in profound ways.
Where Does Samba Music Come From? Exploring The Origins Of Samba Drumming
Where Does Samba Music Come From? Exploring The Origins Of Samba Drumming
We’ve been providing samba drumming workshops and classes for over 25 years, and one of the most common questions we hear is: where does this amazing music come from?
So, we thought we’d give you a detailed blog post diving into the vibrant history of samba music! In our previous blog, we discussed the origins of African drumming in our African Drumming Facts blog. This time, we’ll be taking you to the rich, vibrant streets of Brazil.
What is Samba music, and where does it come from?
Samba is a genre of music originating from Brazil, with roots embedded in Afro-Brazilian traditions. It’s a broad term to describe the multitude of unique rhythms that originated in the communities of Bahai in the late 19th century, and Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century.
Over time, samba music has acquired admiration all over the world due to its infectious, vibrant rhythms and the exciting street performances which accompany the beats.
This melding of upbeat music and community engagement has fostered an important cultural icon that is loved worldwide. Several unique instruments are incorporated into the wonderfully distinct samba sounds.
Traditionally, samba music features string instruments like the cavaquinho and different guitars, alongside percussion instruments such as the famous tamborim drums. Samba holds a special place as a symbol of Brazil and its iconic Carnival festivities. We aren’t exaggerating when we say samba is one of the most cherished cultural expressions of Brazil!
The Bahian Samba de Roda, acknowledged as a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity in 2005, serves as the cornerstone for the samba carioca, the vibrant music and dance style synonymous with Rio de Janeiro.
The Criminalisation of Samba Music
In its early years, Samba encountered harsh scrutiny from the Brazilian authorities. Originating in the Favelas, it emerged as a distinctly Afro-Brazilian musical genre, fostering deep bonds that brought people together.
This strengthening of community was seen as a threat by the Brazilian authorities, who even claimed it was linked to Afro-Brazilian cults. Consequently, many early composers of samba faced criminal persecution and instruments were destroyed.
With samba being made illegal, the genre had to endure underground. Thankfully, samba is now seen as a landmark of traditional music – a far cry from its defiant past of resisting the authorities, it is now embraced by the government.
Samba’s Roots in the Rio Carnival
The Rio Carnival in Brazil is deeply intertwined with Samba, and their origins tell a captivating story.
Picture this: during the Portuguese colonial era, European masquerade balls collided with vibrant African cultural traditions, including music and dance. Out of this melting pot emerged Samba, with its pulsating rhythms and lively beats, gradually becoming the soul of the carnival.
As time passed, Samba schools sprang up across Rio de Janeiro, each representing a unique community and bringing its own flavour to the carnival parade. Today, the Rio Carnival is a dazzling extravaganza where the beats of samba fill the streets. The schools perform passionately for the top spot. It’s a celebration like no other, uniting people from all walks of life in a whirlwind of culture, music, and sheer joy.
Quite rightly, the Rio Brazil Carnival is described as the biggest party on the planet! Take a look for yourself:
Samba Instruments
Modern urban samba is played with several percussion instruments, including:
At Unbeatable Energy, we’ve had the joy of teaching samba drumming to thousands of people spanning two decades. We’ve visited hundreds of schools across the country, introducing pupils to the joy of traditional drumming. We also provide evening classes in Sheffield and perform events across the country.
We’ve hosted African & Samba drumming workshops with teams at Google, HSBC, John Lewis and Money Super Market to name a few. Our boomwhacker events are unique solutions for conference ice breakers:
If you’re a school or business in the UK looking to educate or improve teamwork and communication and break the ice with your employees, please contact us today.
African Drumming Facts - 13 Things You Might Not Know
African Drumming Facts - 13 Things You Might Not Know
African Drumming Facts
Whether you’re a seasoned drummer or simply curious, African drumming is a captivating subject bathed in history and facts that will amaze you.
Africa is the birthplace of humanity, which also means it’s the likely origin of music. Even today, music is a deeply important aspect of African culture, and its influence is seen in music across the world.
You’ll be surprised by how many facts you may not have known before reading this article – and hopefully, by the end, we’ll have inspired you to give this fascinating activity a go yourself!
The most famous African drum is the Djembe
We’re almost certain you’ll have seen this fascinating drum before. Its characteristic goblet shape is defined by its hardwood shell and rawhide drumhead. This iconic African drum is played by hand and its sound versatility has even made it a tool for storytelling.
We’ve even published a page dedicated to the Djembe drum – so if you’re curious as to what it looks and sounds like, click here to view our page.
Drums in Africa are made from natural materials
Including various types of wood, clay and animal hides, each contributing to the various unique sounds.
African drumming has a rich history dating back thousands of years
With diverse rhythms and styles across the continent – from Djembe to the Dundun & Udu, African drumming has a rich and ancient history. These instruments have endured thousands of years of history and change, yet still stand as an important cultural influence across Africa.
African drumming continues to evolve
Blending traditional techniques with modern music styles, African drumming contributes to a dynamic and ever-changing musical landscape. The impact of African music can be felt globally, and its influence can be heard in a diverse range of musical genres.
From samba to salsa, hip-hop to reggae, some of the most popular music in the world has its roots in African sound.
Samba has roots in African music & drumming
While Samba is a uniquely Brazilian genre of music, it carries strong African musical and cultural elements. The heartbeat of samba lies in its rhythms and percussion instruments, many of which have African origins.
Enslaved Africans in Brazil brought with them a rich tradition of rhythmic drumming and percussion, which became integral to the development of Samba. Instruments like the tamborim, agogô, and cuíca have African roots and are still prominent in samba music today.
Over the centuries, these African elements fused with European influences and indigenous culture, giving rise to the vibrant and diverse genre of samba that we know today. While Samba is unmistakably Brazilian, it carries the rhythmic and cultural imprint of its African roots.
African drums are used to tell stories
African drums have a remarkable ability to tell stories through their rhythms and patterns.
For example, different drumming patterns and rhythms are used to represent specific words, phrases, or ideas. These rhythms are like a language, with each beat or combination of beats carrying meaning. Experienced drummers understand this rhythmic vocabulary and can use it to convey stories.
Many African communities have specific rhythms and drumming traditions associated with their cultural and historical narratives. These rhythms might recount the history of a tribe, celebrate important events, or pass down oral traditions and legends.
In essence, African drums are a powerful method of storytelling that transcends language barriers. Through their intricate rhythms, emotional hooks, and important cultural significance, they can convey rich narratives, histories, and experiences to those who listen and understand their language of the beats.
The word ‘Djembe’ means ‘gather in peace’
According to the Bambara people in Mali, the word Djembe stems from the saying ‘everyone gather together in peace’. When shortened, Djembe literally translates to ‘dje – gather’ and ‘bé – peace’.
African drums were used for long-distance communication
Everything has its roots in Africa.
The concept of long-distance communication, which today we take for granted with radio, speakers and mobile phones, was conceived in 18th Century Africa. The ‘Talking Drum’, native to West Africa, was used to disseminate messages including news and commands over a 4-5 mile radius between tribes and villages.
Some varieties of Talking Drums are particularly notable for being able to transmit messages for up to 20 miles. This led to a ‘beacon’ effect, where information was able to be relayed exceedingly quickly across a huge distance across dozens of villages.
African drums were originally created by blacksmiths
The famous Djembe drum likely originated from the Numu – a Mandinka caste of Blacksmiths dispersed across West Africa.
The Djembe drum originated over 750 years ago
The most famous African drum, the Djembe, originated in 12th Century West Africa.
Knowledge of the Djembe was limited prior to 1950
Until the mid 20th century following the decolonisation of West Africa, the Djembe was only known in its original location. This was due to the limited travel of native West Africans outside their own ethnic communities and groups.
The Djembe has a playing range of 65-1000hz
This impressive sound range lends itself to its reputation as a versatile and loud instrument.
African drumming is an amazing team building activity
In recent decades, organisations and businesses have recognised group drumming as a valuable activity for their teams.
This is because African drumming is known to reduce stress, strengthen relationships and improve communication which makes it an excellent ice-breaker for events and corporate conferences.
Unbeatable Energy has been providing group drumming workshops for schools and businesses for over 20 years, with clients such as Google, Facebook and John Lewis to name a few.
If you’re interested in group drumming workshops for your company or team, get in touch today and we’ll be happy to discuss your requirements.
Team Building Activities For Corporate Events In 2024
Team Building Activities For Corporate Events In 2024
As we enter 2024, the pandemic fever dream is becoming a part of our past, but its lasting impact on office work in corporate environments is evident.
It’s no longer ‘business as usual’. Employees have adopted new standards and expectations when it comes to working from the office. This has noticeably impacted younger people. A report by PLACEmaking revealed 21% of 18-24-year-olds refused job offers due to ‘outdated office design, amenities’ and culture.
Now more than ever, it’s vital that businesses from every sector rekindle the spirit of teamwork and companionship among colleagues.
10 Team Building Activity Ideas
Team building activities offer a fun and exciting way to nurture trust, communication and effective collaboration within teams while creating a positive work environment.
In this article, we’ll delve into ten innovative team-building ideas perfect for corporate events, each crafted to inspire unity, problem-solving, and a whole load of fun among colleagues.
Whether it’s cracking codes in an escape room, whipping up a gourmet dish together, or high-energy drumming classes, these activities bring teams closer and tap into their collective potential in enjoyable and unforgettable ways.
1 – Escape Room Challenge
Step into the Escape Room Challenge, where your team faces a series of puzzles and clues in a race against the clock.
Work together to decipher codes, find hidden objects, and solve mysteries that lead to your escape. This immersive experience encourages collaboration and communication as you tackle challenges as a cohesive group. It’s a fun (and affordable!) way to improve problem solving skills as a team. Get ready to put your heads together and unlock the secrets of the room!
2 – Outdoor Adventures
Here in the UK, we’re blessed to have a stunning nature landscape with a diverse range of outdoor activities within range of almost any business premises. Organize activities such as ropes courses, zip-lining, or hiking. These outdoor adventures promote trust-building, risk-taking, and collaboration in a natural setting.
3 – Drumming Workshops
Drumming workshops are fun and interactive team-building activities that have grown rapidly in popularity in recent years.
Unlike many other team-building activities for corporate events, drumming workshops are delivered straight to your businesses which alleviates the travel burden on your employees.
Unbeatable Energy has been providing unbeatable experiences for corporations for over twenty years, from Google to Facebook to Pepsico.
Our high-energy interactive corporate drumming and percussion events provide a fun, new way of communicating and bringing people together through team work. From team-building activities and away days to icebreakers for thousand-strong conferences, Unbeatable Energy sessions will energise and invigorate any gathering.
4 – Cooking Classes
Arrange a cooking class where teams work together to prepare a meal. Cooking requires coordination, communication, and creativity, fostering teamwork and camaraderie.
5 – Sports Tournaments
Host a friendly sports tournament like volleyball, basketball, or soccer. Team sports encourage cooperation, strategy, and healthy competition among colleagues.
6 – Scavenger Hunt
Design a scavenger hunt around the office building or city. Teams must collaborate to solve clues and complete challenges, promoting problem-solving skills and teamwork.
7 – Volunteer Work
In the spirit of giving back and making a positive impact, consider organizing a volunteer work activity for your team right here in the UK. One exemplary opportunity could be participating in the “Great British Beach Clean,” an initiative led by the Marine Conservation Society.
Gather your colleagues and head to a nearby beach to join forces with other volunteers in cleaning up litter and debris along the coastline.
As you work side by side, collecting rubbish and helping to preserve the beauty of our shores, your team will bond over a shared sense of environmental stewardship and community responsibility. This hands-on experience not only fosters teamwork but also highlights the importance of environmental conservation, leaving a lasting impression on your team and the local community alike.
(Plus, it’s a chance to enjoy the fresh sea air and scenic views while making a tangible difference right here in our own community).
8 – Art & Creativity Sessions
Organize art-based activities like painting, sculpting, or pottery classes. Engaging in creative tasks together encourages innovation, problem-solving, and team bonding.
9 – Improvisation Games
Host improvisation workshops where employees participate in improv games and exercises. Improv promotes spontaneity, adaptability, and teamwork while fostering a fun and supportive atmosphere.
10 – Team Building Retreat
Plan a retreat in a scenic location where teams can participate in a variety of activities such as team challenges, group discussions, and relaxation sessions. Retreats provide an opportunity for deepening connections and rejuvenating team spirit in a different setting.
African Drumming Classes - New 2024 Season
African Drumming Classes - New 2024 Season
Join us for a new season of African Drumming classes in 2024
Start the New Year with a bang! 💥 Come to our African Drumming Classes in Sheffield. 🪘
Join in with the amazing sounds and rhythms of the African djembe and Dundun drums of West Africa and get energised and inspired for 2024!
Need to burn some calories after Christmas? Scrap your plans for the gym – this class will do the job! Come and discover a new exciting way to exercise!
Suitable for complete beginners and ages from 12+ to adults.
Classes start in January – New Year Freebie on Thursday 11th Jan, followed by ‘Easy Grooves’ classes every Thursday up until 28th March.
Time: 19:30-20:40
Where? Duchess Road Community Centre, Shoreham Street, Sheffield, S1 4SR.
Prices:
£10 per class session
Or
£54 for a Block Booking package – providing 6 class credits to use within 8 weeks.
Advance booking essential as places are limited and book up fast.
To register classes, go straight to our booking site:
Want a try it out first before diving in? Come to our New Year Freebie Class on the 11th January..
Or find out more about the classes on our main Evening Class page:
BUY CHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS FOR CLASSES
We are now selling Gift Vouchers for you to give your friends, family and loved ones this Christmas.
The gift vouchers can be used for single-class registrations or to purchase the Easy Grooves Block Booking pack.
Buy a gift voucher to give someone special in your life a wonderful new experience to feel inspired and energized for the new year ahead!
Unbeatable Energy bring the drums beats to Channel 4 TV!
Unbeatable Energy bring the drums beats to Channel 4 TV!
Watch Steve Rivers’ APPEARANCE on Channel 4 Steph’s Packed Lunch
This month I was live on air on Channel 4 Steph’s Packed Lunch sharing the joy of drumming with the nation!
The experience was amazing and I can now put in my record book the shortest drum workshop ever delivered – 40 seconds!
Watch the interview and drum workshop here – and join in with the beat!
In the interview, I talked to Steph about the therapeutic benefits of group drumming. 🪘
Steph’s Packed Lunch programme is just that – a programme packed full of different current affairs and discussions, so the challenge was to summarise what is a very broad subject into 3 minutes. ⏱️😯
In the interview, I talked about the way drumming can make us feel energised, release stress and calm the mind.⚡
I mentioned different groups we have worked with, such as:
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Work teams, where the experience of drumming gives colleagues a chance to interact in a real way – particularly remote teams who normally interact with each other through a video screen.
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Bereavement groups, where the social and empathic experience of group drumming helps people cope with their sense of grief and loneliness.
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Neuro-divergent group, where the drumming experience can help participants gain confidence in social situations.
The Benefits of African Drumming - Is It Worth Learning?
The Benefits of African Drumming - Is it worth it?
The Benefits of Drumming
Drumming isn’t just a creative outlet; it’s a journey towards personal growth and well-being. We’ve been providing African & Samba drumming workshops across the UK for over 25 years, and we’ve helped thousands of people experience the amazing benefits drumming brings.
In this article, we’re going to dig deep into all the exciting ways drumming can boost your physical health, mental well-being, and emotional balance. Let’s discover the power of the beat!
The Physical Benefits of Drumming
Drumming goes beyond making music; it actively contributes to a healthier lifestyle. Let’s explore the physical benefits drumming can bring:
Drumming is A Cardiovascular Workout in Disguise
When you play the drums, you’re giving your heart a workout in disguise. The rhythmic patterns and physical movements involved in drumming get your heart pumping, similar to a cardio session. This enjoyable activity promotes blood circulation and strengthens your cardiovascular system over time.
Tune Up Your Motor Skills
Playing the drums requires coordination between your hands, fingers, and feet. This coordination stimulates your brain’s neural pathways, leading to improved motor skills and enhanced hand-eye coordination. Drumming isn’t solely an artistic expression; it’s a practice that hones the connection between your mind and body.
Drumming Boosts Your Immune System
Believe it or not, drumming can actually give your immune system a boost. The repetitive motion and vibrations produced by drumming stimulate the release of endorphins. By engaging in drumming sessions, you’re supporting your body’s defenses and overall well-being.
Samba and African drumming is particularly bass-y. If this interests you, learn more about our drumming classes.
Drumming: A Key to Mental Wellness
When it comes to our mental and emotional well-being, drumming can genuinely make a positive difference. Let’s dive into how it brings positivity to our minds:
Find Your Zen: Stress Reduction through Drumming
Drumming sessions can be your sanctuary for stress reduction. The rhythmic patterns and beats actually act as a form of powerful meditation, allowing you to enter a state of mindfulness and relaxation.
Enhance Your Focus and Concentration
Drumming demands focused attention and concentration. As you immerse yourself in the rhythm, you’ll notice an improvement in your ability to stay present and maintain focus. This enhanced focus can have a positive impact on various aspects of your life, such as work.
The beats and rhythms also allow you to tap into your emotions and let them flow freely. This cathartic experience can be liberating, promoting emotional well-being and providing stress relief.
Drumming: The Beat of Emotional Balance
Drumming is a transformative journey towards emotional balance and self-discovery. Let’s explore how it can support your emotional well-being:
Drumming Helps Boost Your Confidence
Through drumming, you’ll develop a sense of mastery and accomplishment. As you progress and refine your skills, your self-confidence will naturally improve.
Drumming often brings people together, creating a sense of community and connection. By participating in drum circles or group sessions, you’ll forge meaningful relationships and build social skills. The supportive environment will provide a space where you feel a true sense of belonging.
Resilience through Rhythm
Drumming fosters emotional resilience by offering a healthy outlet for stress, anxiety, and other challenging emotions. As you channel your emotions into the rhythm, you’ll find a constructive way to navigate difficult times. This resilience will empower you to face life’s obstacles with strength and determination.
What Is A Djembe? - African Instruments
What Is A Djembe? - African Instruments
What is a Djembe drum?
The djembe is one of the most well-known drums from Africa. You will hear its captivating rhythm throughout the continent.
Originally hailing from West Africa, this drum holds deep roots within the Manding tribes of Mali, Senegal, Guinea Conakry, Burkina Faso, and Ivory Coast. These tribes share an intricate cultural and historical bond, intertwined through their language, music, and annual cultural events.
Centuries ago, the ancestors of these tribes were citizens of the great Mali empire, whose heyday was in the 14th Century during the rule of Mana Musa.
What does a Djembe drum look like?
The djembe drum has unique and distinctive appearance. It features an hourglass body carved out of a single piece of hardwood, such as lenke, djalla, or dougouba.
The drum’s body is hollowed out and covered with a drumhead made of goat or cow skin, which is secured to the body with a system of ropes or cords.
The drumhead is traditionally tightened using a process known as “wedging,” where ropes are threaded through holes around the drum’s body and pulled tightly to achieve the desired tension. This allows for a wide range of tones and sounds to be produced when the drum is played. In addition, the djembe drum often features skillfully crafted carvings and decorations on its body, serving as a testament to the artistry and cultural significance of the communities that create and cherish this instrument.
These intricate designs can hold symbolic meaning, representing cultural motifs, ancestral spirits, or other elements that hold great importance within the community’s identity. The adornments add a touch of beauty and cultural depth to the djembe drum, making it not only a musical instrument but also a visual expression of tradition and heritage.
African Drumming Workshops
Experience the vitality and creative freedom of playing African drums with Unbeatable Energy’s nationwide drumming classes. African drumming workshops are an amazing way to energise, unwind and strengthen your relationships. We offer drumming workshops for corporate icebreaker events, school events, higher education and host regular evening classes in Sheffield.
What does the Djembe sound like?
The sounds produced from the versatile Djembe drum are incredibly diverse; from dry, high-pitched tones to deep, booming bass. The bass tones resonate with a rich and full-bodied presence, providing a solid foundation for the rhythm, whereas the open tones are bright and clear, cutting through the air with their distinct and melodic character.
Each slap delivers a sharp and percussive sound, adding a lively and rhythmic texture to the music. Whether played softly or with vigour, the djembe drum’s sound carries an unmistakable presence that can uplift spirits, create a sense of unity, and transport listeners to the heart of African musical traditions.