Djembe Dani… By Lydia Fraser

"Life is about rhythm. We vibrate, our hearts pumping blood, we are a rhythm machine, that's what we are". - Mickey Hart

Danielle, fondly known as ''Dani'' is a local musician and artist on Magnetic Island. She plays a goblet drum and she's quite partial to the odd goblet of wine or two. Her drum is known as a djembe, it originates from West Africa, and is made from wood, rope and goat skin. The name djembe is derived from a saying which means ''everyone gather together". Dani's community spirit loves gatherings, music and dance. Drums have always been used to strengthen social bonds and build community. She too has those skills.

Dani is a fabulous drummer; I often hear her say the word 'fabulous''. She reminds me of the main character Patsy from the British comedy series ''Absolutely Fabulous''. She is tall, slender and blonde, with a fabulous dress sense... Her Patsy-Esque qualities are beyond mere physical comparisons... she is individualistic, has a wicked sense of humour and a penchant for partying...

And I have a penchant for drummers, not in the ''groupie'' sense, from an inner sense, the ancient call of the drum is soul-deep. The superficiality of ''celebrity worship'' has never been my call. However, in saying that, I did have the opportunity to meet John Densmore (the drummer out of the Doors). He was a friend of my sister-in-law. I declined the offer. I was heavy with child (to phrase an old English term) and not up for a socializing with one of the world's most famous drummers. In hindsight ... I should have "crawled out from under my rock" to meet him. I think I would have enjoyed his company, because recently I inadvertently listened to him in an interview. I stumbled across him on one of Dr Martin Shaw's podcasts. He did not portray what I deemed as the 'characteristics' of a L.A. born famous musician. He seemed humble, inquisitively intelligent with a self-effacing attitude. He had the quality of a good listener and was a great storyteller... He spoke about community, dance, serendipity and animals.

John had written a book that honoured the musicians and artists who had influenced his creative pursuits, including his mum, who was an artist. He said his mum was the first person he mentioned in the book; and he correlated that connection in saying that "the first beat we ever hear is the rhythm of our mother's heart. And through our own fetal heartbeat we create the first polyrhythm with her.”

"The djembe has no borders... if we all thought like the djembe, we would not have so much trouble in the world.” Mamady Keita

I remember the first time I crossed paths with Dani. She was playing in a pub that I was working at. It wasn't an official meeting, but I remember her warm smile as I was taking her food order. Even though few words were exchanged, her image had a memorable effect. She had an ethereal quality about her and an eclectic appeal. Her demeanour was eccentric and flamboyant, wrapped in warmth and kindness. It wasn't until years later that we became friends that I witnessed the warmth of her nature firsthand...  my instincts were correct. The kindness she emits is both on a personal and community level. She is also a disability support carer with innate communicative skills; this gift is essential in her field of work.

Dani is a skilful drummer because she is a storyteller. The timing of beats is a felt language. Drums are not merely a percussion instrument they are linguistic systems. They are a sacred technology used amongst many civilizations to send and relay messages through the current of sound.

The drum is a communicative instrument of connection. It is one of the oldest musical instruments on the planet. The reverberation of its ancient power has been used to both heal and harm. Neuroscience research has shown that rhythmic patterns of sound effect brain wave activity, which create therapeutic benefits on both mind and body. Drums have also been used to induce trance-like states to prepare the psyche for war; the thunderous beating of drum was used as a psychological weapon to put fear into the hearts of enemies.

Rhythmic sound is a living life force. Not only do humans respond to the primal nature of a beating drum, but nature itself does. Research has shown that the low frequency sound waves of drumming stimulate the mycelium growth of fungi. This underground network plays an intricate role in connecting tree and plant life and facilitating nutrient exchange. The drum is a symbiotic tool that enhances the growth of these ecosystems. The ancient drummers knew this; now modern science is proving the connection...

Dani is about connection, community and creativity. Bravely displaying her own unique essence, she does as the saying goes..."March to the beat of your own drum". Maintaining our individuality is essential in creating a healthy community. The beating drum beneath our chest is what we need to listen to. It is the original organ that develops while in the womb... It holds the wisdom of our originality... Tune in and dance to the warmth and rhythm of your own heart.

#drumming #primalbeats #JohnDensmore #DrMartinShaw #mycelium #Connection #Community #Listentoyourheart #MagneticIsland