As I walked into the theatre, noticing the drums on every chair, and the looks of surprise on people’s faces, I could not help but gasp with excitement for what was about to unfold.

Behind the scenes, each of the drummers, fine-tuned like a violin, busy themselves with their drum, costume and thoughts about the impending show, the impact they’ll have on the audience and their ability to meet and surpass their expectations.

Footsteps on the carpeted floor and one can hear the muted voices and conversations of the audience entering the hall. Their surprise at seeing each chair adorned with its own djembe drum turns chatter into excited expectation and the ambience becomes palpable.

The audience is switched on by the vibe and are ready for the dimming of the lights: the performers cue to leave the anonymity of “behind the curtains”, start the well rehearsed ascent to the stage, taking their positions in the dark.
The audience’s full attention is directed to that spot from where now, 2 powerful hands, as if awakened by magic start a low drum rumble at first, followed by a crescendo of thundering bursts of Africa’s rhythms, gumboot dancing and chants of “Mama Ye”.

One spotlight on frenzied hands, then, on an intent face, followed by the joyful, warm words of introduction welcoming the audience to an unforgettable experience of hospitality and making music together the African way.

Energetic and explicit, Molutsi, one of the facilitators, makes signs and gesticulates, grimaces, mimics, smiles and mocks, directs the audience overcoming their initial reservations into beginning and joining the dance of cohesive beats. “One, two, takata taka tak taka tak boom boom…!

From then on, there is no stopping the communication between audience and performer. People jumping in their seats, clapping, dancing, drumming, letting their inhibitions loose - becoming one and part of the performance. There is joy and glee on the faces of children and adults alike, as if experiencing rhythm for the first time.

I walked out of the theater feeling as though I could conquer any challenge presented to me, I was high on life and filled with pride. “Drumstruck” gave me affirmation that my life’s passion – shifting and changing energy on this planet – is exactly what Drum Café is doing in the corporate world. It is building community within divisions and work groups, and is a vital and integral part of communication in the work place. What I had just experienced with a room full of strangers - a oneness of voice - is brought into companies amongst people who work together daily. Teaching rhythm and a constant beat to work together and break down barriers, is one of the keys to success and strength in a company.

In a true celebration of African Culture, “Drumstruck” is a show of exuberant, criss-crossing rhythms, of colliding, intersecting cultures, a show of stomping clanging percussion, a show of heart stopping dance and movement, a show of hands. YOUR hands BEATING on your drum. SHARING your personal experience, your HEARTBEAT, with every other member of the audience. Except, of course, it is not really an audience. It is part of the show. And so are you!

This is what Time Out New York had to say:

“Simply Exhilarating! The fun starts a half hour before curtain when arriving audience members find an African drum on every seat. A dazzling exhibition of song, dance, percussion, humor and storytelling and a mesmerizing interactive experience. Indeed, there are times when I was torn between the ecstasy of drumming and the pleasure of watching the performance. The audience enjoys a display of such energy, vitality and skill and it is not likely to see again for many a day. DRUMSTRUCK is a feel-good spectacular par excellence”.