Different Drums

Yesterday I experienced the world as it can be, a paradise for humanity. There were crowds of happy people, dancing and singing and enjoying the outdoors. People of all ages, religions and ethnic backgrounds joined together as equals and enjoyed each other’s company. The environment was peaceful, joyous and friendly. While everyone at the event was different, the differences were honored and appreciated.

The event that I attended was the Muhtadi International Drumming Festival, held at Queen’s Park in Toronto, Canada. At each end of the park were stages, and all weekend different drumming groups got on stage and played. The sound was exhilarating, and the crowds were dancing as the drumbeats shook the park.

There were many different styles of drumming, each associated with cultural backgrounds. Drumming groups from the Caribbean, Brazil, Africa, China, India and Japan each played on stage, and each set was unique. Even the styles of drums were different, ranging from the two-handed African djembe to the Brazilian alfaia, a deep bass drum played with wooden batons. There were even people adding to the sound by banging sticks together.

The upbeat sound of drumming crosses all cultural barriers, bringing people together from different backgrounds. It was glorious. On the field of Queen’s Park was proof that all cultures can live together, sharing songs and rhythms. Our similarity as humans outweighed our differences as individuals, and it was possible to see the light emanated by each person. In the large crowd everyone was smiling.

There were many children at the gathering, and numerous youth groups playing on stage. Many instructors have used drumming to assist youth in personal growth, teaching both self-confidence and group participation. At one point, there were almost fifty children on stage, ranging in age from eight to twelve years old. They played as one, and the joy on their faces reflected the positive influence that drumming has on their lives.

Drumming has been with mankind since our early beginnings, and it is powerful for many reasons. The sound of drumming vibrates through each body, providing a rhythm that heals. The action of hitting the drum releases energy in a very positive way. The unity required to create a rhythmic sound foregoes ego, and yet each individual shines.
After the event, participants went back to their regular lives. Each individual has daily issues to attend, stresses to bear and challenges to meet. However, for a brief moment of time in Toronto, we experienced paradise. There was happy joyous unity among all, supported by the beat of drums. We have always known the power of drumming, and it can help us progress towards the peace that we deserve.