Welcome!
Spirit of Djembe aims to spread the pleasure and satisfaction of drumming to the wider society while also supporting community and charity events with the jubilant energy generated by West African traditional music.
Novices can develop their skills at their own pace with encouragement and support from group leader and teacher Faith Sax, who grew up in South Africa.
LEARN
Classes
Cater for different ability levels ranging from beginners to more experienced players.
Open workshops
Introduce djembe playing with its many well-being benefits to the wider community.
In-house workshops
Tailored to the needs of organisations, schools, charities, private parties and other groups.
PLAY
We have meetings throughout the year where all the classes gather for a fun event.
Novice and established drummers have a chance to spend time together, making music, enjoying the company of new and old friends and sharing lunch and laughter.
These could be day sessions, when we invite guest teachers, or camping weekends where, as well as drumming, contributors offer taster sessions of other activities such as belly dancing, African dancing, yoga, gong baths and storytelling around the fire.
PERFORM
Performance keeps us on our toes and adds excitement to our learning. It enables us to share our love of djembe drumming. It takes us into many and varied community settings and allows us to contribute energy, fun and sometimes the wow factor to these events. We have performed at weddings, birthday parties, park events, a music festival, and many charitable fundraising gatherings.
Faith Sax
Spirit of Djembe is led by Faith Sax, who grew up in South Africa with drumming and dancing always present in one form or another.
She recalls how on the farms there were regular informal celebrations.
"Drums would sound out from churches on a Saturday or Sundays," says Faith. “Sometimes we heard them playing down at the river throughout the night."
"
When I first heard a West African djembe drum I was captivated and learned to play. In South Africa, I joined a newly-formed group called Women on Djembe and in 2010 we were chosen to perform at the Football World Cup in Cape Town.
In 2013 I relocated to the UK and began teaching West African drumming in Stourbridge.
No matter how tired you are, ten minutes playing your djembe will give you all the rejuvenating energy you need. Stress and low mood melts away.
Working together with others to play a multi-part piece is a bonding and joyful experience.
There are those special moments of exhilaration when the music seems to leave the djembes and fly.
Lessons are both fun and challenging. There is group support and encouragement every step of the way.
One person’s success benefits the whole group. It is no surprise then that a strong sense of community develops amongst the players.
-Faith Sax