including families.
Nothing can compete with drumming and a cool evening at a beach with sunrays peeking the sky as the sun sets over the water. Torching up the place and roasting some meat on a barbecue fire, all this takes place under the radiating light of a full moon.
Drumming Qatar, a band of three men performing African drumming music, has regularly been organising drumming circles at a beautiful picnic area in Dukhan, at the sea-shores near Umm Bab beach. The testimony of the guests at such an evening speaks volume of the mind-healing power of the drums and of how much people need such experiences owing to their busy schedules.
Much anticipated drumming circle was held recently with over 100 participants including families. The evening was thronged by drumming enthusiasts from all over Qatar and had the multinational blend that Qatar is well known for. The children were seen playing in the open as their parents enjoyed the heart throbbing sound of the African drums. The drumming circle started at 5pm and continued till 9pm.
Patrick Dilley, aka Mr P, is a South African drummer/percussionist and founder of Drumming Qatar band. He is the brain behind the soul-soothing experience oozing out of the sound of the band’s African Djembe drums. With a profile that has seen him perform at some of the most musically rich places globally, he is trusted to provide a nutritious musical dish to his equally energetic crowd of music lovers.
“Drumming Qatar is more than just a music band. It is an experience. With over two thousand performances delivered, including corporate conferences, team-building drives and festivals, the band facilitates drum-circles and musical pedagogy. It is worth noting that Drumming Qatar has stamped its mark on the local Qatari entertainment listings as a highly trusted producer of energetic performances,” said Patrick while talking to Community.
He added, “The team is set up in a way that defines true natural talent with a mix of drums of different sounds and drummers who gel together to produce a uniquely afro-centric tune. Aliguma Saul Rayan, a member of the band from Uganda, plays the bass drum. I lead with my powerful Djembe drum. The tone is always bone-chilling, to say the least. Then there is the pair of Dunduns that are played by Aiden, and these sort of set the tone for the whole ‘orchestra’. Ali also, entertains the revellers with his killer dance strokes and fire-dancing.”
The drummer noted, “Drumming Qatar prides in working towards building a social network. It is our biggest joy whenever we see people come to our events and leave happier. The drumming takes a lot of toxic energy away from our bodies and this happens without us even noticing. As you hit the skin of the drum, positive ripples vibrate into your whole being.”
Karine Fleury, French expatriate, said, “For sure, I really had a fun. There were people from different nationalities. First, we practised with different rhythms. After a break, we had a barbecue dinner. We socialised a bit and then we had a training session.”
She added, “I joined the group two years ago. I had attended training sessions with them indoor. The music has brought a lot of energy in me. I really like drumming. I actually enjoy the company of people from different countries.”
Stefanie, English German expatriate, said, “I enjoy attending the drumming circle. I enjoyed the company and the rhythm. I ask people to come and join the fun and learn how to drum with Drumming Qatar.”
DRUMMER: Aliguma Saul Rayan, a member of the band from Uganda, playing the bass drum.
PERFORMANCE: Patrick Dilley, aka Mr P, a South African drummer/percussionist and founder of Drumming Qatar band, during his performance.
ACTIVITIES: People enjoying the music and taking part in the activities.
