PROJECTS
Youth
Empowerment Project:
is one of the vital objectives of Drumsview concept and it is done quarterly.
The project is a fundamental, attitudinal and artistic process whereby young
people acquire the ability to make decisions and implement change in their own
lives and the lives of other people, both young and old through the mastery of
their artistry.
Being
a complete, total or a successful artiste with financial independence, entails
knowing a bit about everything that has to do with art and life. Ignorance has
brought a number of artists to wreck because they are not conscious of their
society. As a result, we have decided to keep researching on all aspects of
life, as it relates or affects the artiste, so that we can be a resource centre
to artistes in the industry and the entire public.
The
first project was done in the last quarter of the year 2011, with theme:
‘CRAFT…
easier done than said’, where participants were taught how
to produce Sekere (Maracas) and how to repair the Djembe drum.
PRESS RELEASE
DRUMSVIEW CONCEPT presents: Youth Empowerment Project
‘one’, tagged ‘CRAFT…easier done than said’ which held on 7th
October, 2011 at Gongbeat Studio (NCAC artiste’ village), National Theatre
Iganmu Lagos by 10:00am.
The workshop was in commemoration of Nigeria’s
independence and it serves as a structural and artistic process whereby young
people acquire the ability to make decisions and implement change in their own
lives and the lives of other people, both young and old through the mastery of
their artistry. This edition is based on the making of Sekere/Maracas and
fixing /repair of Djembe Drum.
SEKERE DJEMBE DRUM
The workshop was in two segments: One was the
practical teaching on how to make SEKERE/MARACAS, which was taken by ESTHER ESSIEN, a young, creative and
industrious total theater artist with great versatility in dance. She is a
teacher and a researcher. She has worked with notable directors,
choreographers, dancers, actors and drummers with international repute both in
and outside Nigeria. She is presently a member of DrumsView Concept and the
Dance Guild of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter).
The other segment which is on how to fix/repair
Djembe drum, was taken by OLUWASOGBA
TAYO SAM who is a versatile drummer. He is a total theatre artiste: a
graduate of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education. He has also worked with
notable directors, choreographers and musicians (drummers) with international
repute both in and outside Nigeria. He is the director of White Stone Culture Ambassador,
a member of DrumsView Concept and the Dance Guild of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter).
He is also a teacher and a researcher.
As a result of the researching skill of both
tutors, they’ve been able to acquire the practical knowledge on how to make and
fix (repair) the two musical instruments mentioned above, and were pleased and
delighted to impact the public with the knowledge, most especially individuals
in the industry.
Fixing/repair and making of musical instruments are
lucrative professions independently. Besides, those in the fixing/repair of
Djembe drums and making of Sekere are very scarce. Only a few number of people
engage in it. Djembe is the most common African drum while Sekere and Maracas
are about the most common percussions in West Africa and Latin America: mostly
amongst the Yorubas and in Cuba. Hence, almost every drummer and theater
companies own at least one Djembe drum and a number of Sekere/Maracas, with few
or no company/individual in the fixing/repair/making business. Instead of
abandoning damaged instruments to purchase a new one, it can be easily fixed.
Moreover, we have the materials needed at our disposal.
All that is needed is to follow the practical steps
that were taught in the workshop. It saves money, requires little or no capital
to start the business and it is very lucrative.
The workshop is coordinated by OYEBISI TOSIN AKINBOYE, an artiste with entrepreneurial skill, a
researcher, a dancer, acrobat and an instrumentalist (bassist). He started his
career with Edun Productions, while he was in Lagos State University as a
student. He obtained his B.Sc. degree in Physics (with honors, 2008). He was
the artistic director of NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) theatre troupe: a
community development service to Kano state of Nigeria (Batch ‘C’ 2009). He is
presently a member of Ijodee Dance Company and a trainee in DrumsView Academy
(DrumsView Concept). He has worked with notable directors, choreographers,
dancers, actors and drummers with international repute both in and outside
Nigeria.
DRUMSVIEW CONCEPT is a total theatre company founded in July 2009
and duly registered with the corporate affairs commission with the functions of
training, nurturing, supporting and empowering youths through the preservation,
enhancement of quality and presentation of our rich artistic cultural heritage.
The company was established by ISIOMA WILLIAMS through the advice of Mr. Felix Okolo (CEO of tempo
arts centre) and trusted by Mrs. Ute Fricke (CEO of Melting Pot foundation) and
Mr. Peter Badejo OBE (CEO of Badejoarts UK).
…CRAFT! It’s easier done than said…
Another
edition, which is the first in 2012, was slated for the first quarter and it is
tagged ‘SUBSIDIZE YOUR ACT’. A workshop, where participants
learnt how to manufacture products.
The project goes beyond the manufacturing or marketing of products
but to incite and quicken each individual to be research oriented, conscious of
their environment and be an advocate of change.
PRESS RELEASE
After
the success of the first edition of youth empowerment project organized by
Drumsview Concept, tagged ‘CRAFT…easier done than said’, which was done on 7th
October, 2011, to commemorate Nigeria’s independence @ 51, where participants
were thought how to make Sekere, Maracas and repair Djembe Drum. The total
theatre company decided to hold another edition of the youth empowerment
project titled ‘SUBSIDIZE YOUR ACT’. It was done on 24th February, 2012, by
10am, at Gongbeat studio (NCAC artiste’ village), National Theatre Iganmu
Lagos.
This
was put together as part of our goals and duties in Drumsview Concept which is
to offer consultant services to the public, private institutions and assist
talented youth to develop their skills artistically, socially and financially.
‘SUBSIDIZE
YOUR ACT’ was targeted towards impacting and inspiring artists and youths in
general, to be positive thinkers and be productive in creating more sources of
income, so that each one can be financially independent. Hence, improving their
own life, positively influence their immediate society and the nation at large.
As a result of the present situation of the country, it has become necessary
for artists and generally, youths in all fields to have or create more sources
of income and not depend solely on one particular source (or salary, for salary
earners). Artists, especially young dancers, don’t get ‘paid jobs’ often and
even if they do, the income is not substantial enough to pay their bills or
meet their basic needs. And with the current state of the economy, it has
become necessary to cushion the effect of the deterioration, so that artists
can thrive.
In
the workshop, participants were taught how to make the following items:
Germicide,
Disinfectant, Liquid soap, Baby oil, Petroleum jelly, Bar soap, Insecticide,
Body spray, Bleach, Air freshener, Detergent.
The
project goes beyond the manufacturing or marketing of the above named products
but to incite and quicken each individual to be research oriented, conscious of
their environment and be an advocate of change.
The
resource person for the workshop is OLUWASOGBA
TAYO SAM. He is a versatile drummer and a total theatre artiste. He is a
graduate of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education. He has worked with notable
directors, choreographers and musicians (drummers) with international repute
both in and outside Nigeria. He is the director of White Stone Culture
Ambassador, a member of DrumsView Concept and the Dance Guild of Nigeria (Lagos
Chapter). He is also a teacher and a researcher.
The
project is being coordinated by ESTHER
ESSIEN, a young, creative and industrious total theater artist with great
versatility in dance. She is a teacher and a researcher. She has worked with notable
directors, choreographers, dancers, actors and drummers with international
repute both in and outside Nigeria. She is presently a member of DrumsView
Concept and the Dance Guild of Nigeria (Lagos Chapter).
DrumsView
concept is a total theatre company founded in July 2009 and duly registered
with the corporate affairs commission with the functions of training,
nurturing, supporting and empowering youths through the preservation,
enhancement of quality and presentation of our rich artistic cultural heritage.
The company was established by ISIOMA
WILLIAMS through the advice of Mr. Felix Okolo (CEO of tempo arts centre)
and trusted by Mrs. Ute Fricke (CEO of Melting Pot foundation) and Mr. Peter
Badejo OBE (CEO of Badejoarts UK).
Participants’
Comments about the Project and the Company:
I’m
glad I participated in this workshop, though I also produce these products, but
it’s good to learn from others. All thanks to the crew who made this a reality.
May God almighty increase you all in every ramifications. Thanks.
- Essien Victoria U
I
think it’s really awesome if program of this nature could come to stay. It
really will change and enhance Nigerians in handcraft and skills (talents). In
one word, this is ‘great’.
- Stephen Amosa Richard
I’m
happy about the project and I wish that this kind of event will be happening
more often to enlighten on how to be self employed.
-Mrs. C. Nwama
Please
keep it up. Thank you and God bless you.
-Rita Favour
It
is an interesting and innovative program. It’s an avenue to learn and to be an
agent of change. Keep it up!
- Oluseyi Davidson
I
am very happy to be a part of this project. God bless you.
-Nnandi Emmanuel
This
is a very good workshop that will encourage youth to be hardworking. Thanks to
Drumsview concept and Gongbeat for this great workshop. The workshop must go on
(like the show must go on).
- Olatunji Oyetunde (Whitestone Culture
Ambassador)
More
grease to your elbow Drumsview concept and Gongbeat studio.
- Victor k. Ojo (squad
one productions)
It
is really an avenue to empower youth to be self employed and self reliant to
bring about change that will change the mindset of Nigerians, so that youth can
be able to do something on their own. Keep it up. It has really exposed a lot.
- Iwuji O. Okwujiri
It
is an interesting workshop that encourages youth to do something. Thanks.
-Igwiro Happiness
It
is educative.
- Adeytemi Blessing
I
like this idea Drumsview came up with. It has enlightened me to an extent, to
stand up and be serious. I want to say a big thank you to Drumsview Concept for
bringing this life changing project to this generation. My gratitude knows no
bound.
- Onyekachi Umezuruike
It’s
a medium of exposure to every attendee. It is also a medium for us all to be
self employed. More grease to your elbow all Drumsview crew. May God be your
strength and source of inspiration.
- Amadi Michael
For
me, I will say everything done here was perfectly okay. I believe God is taking
Drumsview to somewhere greater. This is an opportunity for us to be self
employed. Thanks very much.
-Aisabor David Dickson
(Cultural Heritage)
I
really learnt a lot from this workshop and it entails wisdom and creating self
employment opportunities. I believe this shouldn’t stop here but let it out to
more people in the society. I say a very big thank you.
- Omukoyem Catherine (Dance Deal)
I’m
very grateful. God bless you.
-Olaitan Monsuru
I
really appreciate all your efforts towards the youths of this generation. I
have learnt a lot from this workshop that’s organized by Drumsview, because I
know how much it will cost for me to learn it outside. This program is very
educative. I pray that the almighty God will continue to strengthen and reward
you in all your endeavours (amen). Thank you and God bless you.
- Ogbe Catherine Anote
I
appreciate the effort of Drumsview Concept and I want them to continue the good
work because you have empowered so many people with your teaching and would
like them to come up with other concepts to help the society. God bless you.
-Egbiyor Tochukwu M.
A
very nice workshop but it would have been nice if it were to be a ‘two days’
workshop, for easy assimilation. I bet you, it’s not all that was learnt that
will be remembered, except for those who bought the manual. But it’s a nice job
anyway, kudos.
- Queen Joan K.
It
is a nice workshop. I gained a lot from it. But it ought to be for two more
days, so as to learn more, because it’s not easy for someone to learn something
so easily at once.
-Igwuro Joy
Drumsview
is a company that has vision for the Nigerian youth and I give them kudos. God
bless Drumsview for having our interest at heart.
- Emmanuel Luka Musa (Corporate Dance World)
It’s
such a great thing to give back to the society. I really appreciate this, thank
you so much.
-Young O.
It’s
such a wonderful thing to bring us together to learn from you. I say a very big
thank you.
- Owolawi Taofeek (Whitestone Cultural
Ambassador)
God
bless Drumsview Concept. Thanks for giving back to the society and country at
large. Please keep it up and continue to touch lives.
- Akpan Grace
While
I join other people in thinking, I will also in a special way, take it serious.
God bless us (amen).
- Nworokike Joseph
Cultural
Exchange Project:
As
part of the company’s projects, Drumsview Concept a Nigerian based company
collaborates with companies around Africa amongst which is “Odehe Drum &
Dance” based in Ghana, to share and exchange artistic experiences. The first
experience was at Teshei, in Accra Ghana during May-June 2010, where
participants worked together to have an artistic relation and share the Yoruba culture of BATA (Yoruba
culture of drum and dance) and the Ghanaian culture of ATSIAGBEKOR (Ghanaian dance that
simulates or portrays battle postures).
Arts In Education:
Arts-in-education is a strong arm of the company and it is
targeted towards engaging and educating people, particularly disadvantaged
children and young people from all backgrounds, cultures and abilities on a
variety of topics including education, health and heritage, through the
provision of resources, workshops and presentations, in a fun filled manner.(in
a way that’s full of fun).
Being educated is not just about schooling, studying or knowing a
particular subject, course or an aspect of life but it is the ability to know a
bit about everything that has to do with existence. Being educated is all about
having a well-rounded education.
Non-art subjects have been over emphasized and this has caused a
barrier for an effective implementation of arts in education. Young people have become rigid as a
result of their field of studies or elementary backgrounds which had not been
well-rounded, which results to the imbalance in the economy and the standard of
living in the society.
Also children who could not cope with basic subjects like math and
science have been left to drop out of school and are now on the streets,
exposed to child abuse and on the long run, have become menace to the society.
As part of our
arts-in-education project, we had a Dance Demonstration at
Nico (National Institute for Cultural Orientation) on 13th March
2012 in response to Professor Kalejaye’s invitation, to do a dance
demonstration for the students.
Using
Bata as case study, we explained to the students, the influence music has on
dance and how people respond to situations, occurrence and sounds by dancing either
consciously or reflexly. The students were made to understand that everybody
can dance and that nothing is difficult but we create the difficulty with our
own misunderstanding or misconception. We broke bata dance and music down to
its basics for easy understanding, after which some students were called up in
groups, to join the demonstrating dancers on stage consecutively, to
participate in the practical class. At the end of the class, we performed a
short sequence of Bata to cap it up.
The
class was interactive and interesting: as a result the students were excited,
appreciated us and wished they could get more.
