after the performance i bumped into the 8 year old drummer and told him how wonderfully they performed. he gave me the most endearing and grateful smile. it was a confident smile: he knew he beat that drum like a seasoned player. but i guess it’s always nice to hear a compliment.
he played with the chibale drumming ensemble at the bocas lit fest in port of spain, trinidad, april 30, 2011. the eldest in the group was a 14 year old chantwelle. the youngest was a 4 year old with more style and swagger than attention to the drum. when he did play he was skilled however.
i heard a nana say once that you “gotta give the dummer some.” in drum circles the dancers pay respects by bowing. in more contemporary spaces shaking a hand or behind will suffice.
they opened with an excerpt from ella andall’s “bring down de power of love” this performance warmed. happy sunday.
Zahra Gordon 
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