Music

I was lucky enough to find a fantastic organisation called Kabako. Kabako is managed and art directed by Matthew Bird (read more at: About Us – Kabako Events & Entertainment)

Matthew kindly made me a great stand for my ghanaian xylophone (see picture below). He also organises Drum Circles in Cape Town once a month which take place at beautiful beaches around Cape Town including Blouberg (see photos below). Sidy Sangare, soloist, master drummer and percussionist from Mali also assists to lead these sessions, which are a lot of fun. Kabako drum sessions bring together “rhythm, culture and human connection through music-led experiences.” Do get in touch on their website and come along!

On a recent tour of Togo, Benin and Ghana I was honoured to be able to study Gyil Ghanain balafon with Aaron Bebe Sukura, Department of Music, Faculty of Performing Arts, University of Ghana. I have been learning Gyil with Ben Lawrence in Bristol who studied with Dr Bebe in Ghana. This was a brilliant experience as through learning the traditional music of Ghana you also learn about the rich culture and traditions in the Country. I highly recommend anyone interested to contact Dr Bebe who is a brilliant musician and a lovely person.

During one lesson I also learnt Ghanain drumming with Christopher Ametefe and celebrated his birthday.

Christopher Ametefe, Dr Aaron Bebe Sukura and me at the Music Department, University of Ghana

Dr Aaron Bebe Sukura and me at the Music Department, University of Ghana

Balafons in the Music department, University of Ghana

Playing embaire with Andy to raise money for Amnesty International

Practicing embaire for westminster abbey performance for Queen’s Jubilee

Peter Cooke Practicing embaire for performance for Queen’s jubilee

Performance with Seby Ntege

Performance of Ghanaian balafon with Ben Lawrence and Anna at mine and Ali birthday party

Endongo thumb piano played at Southam book talk

Helen regularly practices and performs with the Samba Group Sambassadors of Groove based in Leamington Spa. For further details go to: http://www.sambassadorsofgroove.org.uk/

Performance for Earthquake appeal and refugee project in Uganda: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYpwv1zBJtw&t=10s