Usually, July signals a reduction of activity in the Masamba camp. As the schools close for the Summer, we get an opportunity to relax, repair instruments, tidy up the rehearsal space and generally catch our breath – Not so this year!
Masamba is celebrating 30 years of activity this year, and the Arts Office at Dublin City Council have generously supported a season of celebratory activities including drumming masterclasses, community workshops, and performances.
This funding allowed us to book a once-in-a-lifetime workshop with the master drummers of Ilê Aiyê, one of the most influential cultural organisations from Salvador, Brasil. Ilê Aiyê are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, having formed in the Liberdade neighbourhood of Salvador in 1974. Their focus on cultural regeneration, African history and social justice have very much influenced Masamba’s development, and it was an honour to host them at our rehearsal space in the Liberties (the Irish Liberdade).
In addition to the workshop, which was an educational and transformative experience, the group performed the following evening at the Button Factory in Dublin City Centre. Most of the Masamba crew attended the show, and again, it was a life-affirming and life changing experience. Also, it was an opportunity to re-connect with many of our samba colleagues from around the country – some of whom we haven’t seen since the last Drogheda Samba Festival in 2014.
As Ilê Aiyê left Ireland, we were straight into preparation for a three-day visit of Brazilian master drummer, and long time friend of Masamba, Dudu Tucci. We have worked with Dudu in Ireland, the UK, Germany and Brazil since1996, and much of our repertoire and technical skills are a direct result of working with him. Dudu’s visits are always massively popular with the band. Dudu arrived in Dublin on Friday, and was immediately in the thick of it, working with members of the Masamba Youth Project, to develop new material and having a few laughs (and cakes) along the way.
Saturday and Sunday were an opportunity for members of the Masamba Community Band, and invited guests from as far away as Kerry and Cavan, to participate in a drumming masterclass with Dudu. Over two days, we developed three new pieces of music, as well as receiving inputs on instrumental techniques.
A Brazilian celebration is not complete without Brazilian food, and our friends JP, Luciano and Kelly organised an amazing barbecue for the musicians, with several other members of the extended Masamba family joining us for picanha, linguiça and ice cold beers – heaven!
Between the two visits of the master drummers, we found time to complete two funding applications, and delivered workshops and performances with the Central Remedial Clinic in Clondalkin and at a family day organised with the Kilbarrack Coast Community Project. We are also rehearsing for an important performance by the Masamba Youth Project as part of the Liberties Festival (https://thelibertiesfestival.com/#:~:text=22nd%20%2D%2028th%20July%202024,multi%2Dcultural%20and%20arts%20programme.) at the end of the month.
So, it’s only half way through July, and we have hardly had time to draw a breath – it’s busy, but it’s good to be alive (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86TLhvOSjls
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