STOURBRIDGE-based drummers are beating out an invitation for new recruits to discover the power of percussion.

Members of Spirit of Djembe aim to bring the energetic rhythms of West Africa to the West Midlands.

Weekly classes are now open to new recruits or to former members who would like to revive their interest in djembe drumming.

Novice and experienced drummers are invited to help spread the joy of making music while also supporting community and charity events.

The group is led by Faith Sax, who grew up in South Africa.

Drums played at celebrations, churches, informal gatherings and on farms were a constant soundtrack to her childhood.

She was captivated when she first heard a West African djembe drum and learned to play.

She joined a group in South Africa called Women on Djembe, performing with them at the football World Cup in Cape Town in 2010.

After relocating to the UK in 2013, she began teaching West African drumming and set up the Spirit of Djembe group in Stourbridge.

During lockdown in 2020, Dudley Council for Voluntary Service helped Faith to formalise the group as a small, not-for-profit organisation.

The process of setting up a constitution, allowing the group to open a bank account and fundraise in its own name, culminated in a Zoom meeting in October that year when its first committee was elected.

Members had continued to meet socially on Zoom and even worked out a process to practice their drumming online until Covid restrictions were lifted.

They have now fully resumed their regular classes, workshops and other gatherings – and are hoping to spread the pleasure and satisfaction of drumming to others.

Anyone interested in learning to play djembe is guaranteed a warm welcome by the group.

New recruits do not need to own their own drum but are asked to notify Faith in advance if they would like to borrow one for lessons.

The group takes its name from the djembe - an African drum made from wood with a goblet shape and distinct sound.

It is the most well-known among the African percussion instruments and is played by striking it with the hands to produce bass, tone and slap sounds.

Faith said: “Djembe playing is known to have many well-being benefits. It helps to create a positive attitude, improve mental health and strengthen memory through the process of learning drumming patterns and techniques.

“It promotes a sense of achievement as drummers progress from playing basic beats to mastering more complex rhythms. It encourages teamwork and is a wonderful way to help reduce stress and make new friends.”

Classes are held on Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9pm and on Friday mornings from 10am to noon at Stourbridge’s Quaker Meeting House in Scotts Road.

Thursday classes are normally for experience drummers while Fridays cater for beginners or improvers – although some flexibility may be possible.

The group will also be holding an open workshop on Friday April 21 at Rock Village Hall, near Kidderminster. 

Anyone interested in joining the group or finding out more can contact Faith on 07526 261250, email spiritofdjembeorg@outlook.com, or visit website spiritofdjembe.org.