“A shared energy”: West African drumming fosters cross-cultural understandings in Australia

ABSTRACT

This study builds on and contributes to work in the area of African music in Australia in community settings. This research explores why people came together to share music-making and practice at a drumming retreat, and what they experienced as a recreational group music activity. Employing thematic analysis to code the data, two overarching themes (drumming for leisure and cultural connections) are discussed. I argue that West African drumming as a “shared energy” experience has the power to positively impact participants’ lives, fostering cross-cultural understandings. Exploring another culture helps to dispel myths and encourages discussion that may promote cultural diversity and respect in a multicultural Australia.

KEYWORDS:

• African music
• cultural connections
• drumming
• leisure
• multiculturalism
• social connections

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).