The spirit of the drum is something that you feel but cannot put your hands on,_x000D_ It does something to you from the inside out . . ._x000D_ It hits people in so many different ways._x000D_ But the feeling is one that is satisfying and joyful._x000D_ It is a feeling that makes you say to yourself, '_x000D_ I'm glad to be alive today! I'm glad to be part of this world!
Interpretation
The quote highlights the profound emotional impact of music, particularly drumming, which connects deeply with the human spirit.
Babatunde Olatunji emphasizes that the essence of drumming transcends physicality; it resonates deeply within us, evoking feelings of joy and gratitude for life. The transformative power of rhythm can touch individuals in unique ways, fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation for existence.
In practice
Use this quote during a music festival to express the joy and energy present in the atmosphere.
The Creator wants us to drum. He wants us to corrupt the world with drum, dance and chants. After all, we have already corrupted the world with power and greed....which hasn't gotten us anywhere - now's the time to corrupt the world with drum, dance and chants.
The music had to be rooted, and yet had to branch out,like the wild imagination of a child.
Modern storytellers are the descendants of an immense and ancient community of holy people, troubadours, bards, griots, cantadoras, cantors, traveling poets, bums, hags, and crazy people.
In my career as a director, there's always been some point where you get halfway through it, or three-quarters, and you go: 'What is this thing all about, and why am I telling the story? Does anybody really care about seeing this?' At that time you have to say: 'OK, forget that and just go ahead.'
I cannot say why I wanted to paint. The only answer is in the pictures themselves.
I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked, dragging themselves through the negro streets at dawn looking for an angry fix angelheaded hipsters burning for the ancient heavenly connection to the starry dynamo in the machinery of the night.
I think the rhythm is like the spine of the piece. If you change that, then the body that forms around it is changed as well.
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