Category: Cultural

The Story of Sammy Oblah

Posted on October 11, 2019 by - Cultural, History, Performers

fun at work

Master Drummer Tuza formed The Salaka Ensemble to preserve the traditional music of the Ga tribe of Ghana. Sammy Oblah (the lead performer of The Salaka Ensemble Tour), as Tuza’s nephew, definitely has music in his blood. He started out as a dancer and practised every day after school for 4-6 hours and on weekends too.

Sammy impressed the African Beat team when he showed his leading and organising skills on the first Salaka Interactive Drumming tour in 2008. He has been on every tour since, leading the shows, teaching the other musicians, driving all across Australia and delighting audiences with his exuberant energy. Sammy really is the face of the Salaka Tour and we love his energy both on & off the stage.

Back in Ghana, Sammy has a second passion. To improve the lives of his community through politics. He campaigns to improve sanitation and education. Seeing the facilities we have in Australia has made him determined to widen the access for these in Ghana too.

What Does A Mouse Have To Do With It?

Getting The Beat On The History Of African Drumming

Posted on August 25, 2019 by - Cultural, History

History Of African Drumming

Africa is a vast continent, rich and diverse with many different nations and cultures. Music hums through this land, with it used for many ceremonies, rituals and in religion.

For African Beat, our founder Tuza hauls from Ghana, where drums are the heart of West African music. The main types of drums are djembe and kpanglogo (aka tswreshi).

We want to share with you a little about the djembe, which is the main type of drum African Beat uses for team building, performances, and school activities.

The Story of Tuza Afutu

Posted on June 25, 2019 by - History, Performers

Tuza is a master drummer from Africa

Tuza Afutu is a spectacular performer, passionate teacher and an expert in traditional West African music. He truly comes alive in front of an audience.

Hailing from Ghana, West Africa, Tuza began drumming at an early age. He came from a poor family and says “There is no way we had enough money to buy a drum.” He had to improvise with nothing but pots, pans and jerry-cans.

That was more than three decades ago. Now, Tuza is the  Creative Director of African Beat. He entertains Australian audiences with interactive African drum and dance sessions. Tuza captivates diverse groups including school students, aged care residents and corporate high fliers.

Benefits of Drumming on a Child’s Development

Posted on May 8, 2019 by - Cultural, History, School events

Benefits of Drumming

While the benefits of drumming are wide-ranging, as teachers and parents when it comes to extracurricular activities we always have to consider the cost. We consider the benefits and whether or not it will be worthwhile. In terms of Drumming, unless you have studied music yourself, you perhaps do not appreciate what it actually entails to play an instrument and the impact it can have on a child’s development.
Drumming is accessible and portable. The costs incurred far outweigh the benefits in terms of a child’s development.

Christmas Around The World

Posted on November 9, 2018 by - Christmas, Cultural

Around November, many of us start thinking about Christmas and holidays. Australia is such a diverse country we thought we would take a look at how people celebrate the season around the world.

Our team is from Africa, so let’s start there…

Tuza, African Beat’s founder, is from Ghana.

Celebrations start from 20 December all the way through to the beginning of January. It is a time for family and friends.

Which African Entertainment Company?

Posted on October 12, 2018 by - Cultural, School events, Social Events, Team Building

sydney excursions

Stop! Before Booking ANY Entertainment…

With so much choice online these days, how do you know which African Entertainment company to book?
Let me ask you a simple question… How do you know you are getting 100% Authentic African drummers and dancers at the best price? Can all these companies who claim to offer African entertainment be relied on? In our experience, no they can’t! We’ve heard some horror stories over the years and we don’t want to be tarnished with the same brush!

So, before booking, please consider the questions below.