Njacko Backo - In the Spirit of the Drum

Njacko began playing percussion and making instruments at age three in his village Bazou in Cameroon. He descends from a family with strong musical traditions. With his grandmother's assistance Njacko met the elders of the village who taught him to play music starting with the hand drum (toumkak), kalimba, and African harp (zaa koua). Since 1986, Njacko has worked with a vast number of children, students and teachers throughout Europe and North America in classrooms, summer camps, institutions, after school programs, festivals and workshops to share his knowledge of African drumming and music. This DVD expalins all of the parts of Rhumba, including five djembe parts, three bass drum parts, as well as parts for shakers and cowbells. This DVD can be used by the complete beginner to learn proper techniques to hit the drum, but it can also be used by the most advanced student to hone their skills and to practice their solo. There are several tracks on the DVD which lend themself to practicing by yourself, with your friends, or with your children. Several levels of musical complexity are presented, and there are many exercises to study beyond the different parts of Rhumba. Njacko believes that "the key of learning is not to do things like your teacher. You learn, then you develop your own thing. I’ve learned so many things from so many people, and this, for me, is like transitions in life through the spirit of music. I’ll learn from them, but I don’t just stick—it’s like a key to another door.”

Featuring:
*An Introduction to Drums
*The Basic Sounds of the Djembe
*Rhumba Basics
*Family, Beginner & Intermediate Sessions!
*PLUS! SEVERAL BONUS TRACKS!

Check out Njacko Backo's other titles!
Kakoua (don't cry)
The Conscience of Africa
and
Ba Ba Oh