AS part of efforts to increase interest in drumming and to promote unity, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the Majek Fingers Drumming School, Orlando Primo, has organised a ‘drumming fest’ at the African Cultural and Development Association (ACDA) building, Thomas Lands, Georgetown.

The aptly named “Feel the Rhythm of the Drums” event will see 10 drumming and dance groups coming together in a cultural display that promises to be a delight to those in attendance.

Locally made products will be on display from 16:00 hours but the actual event will get underway from 17:00 hours, Primo told Buzz this week.

“The festival is a celebration of unity through the arts; through drumming, dancing, poetry, singing and culture,” he shared. It is also being held to commemorate the 13th year of his drumming school’s existence.

The participating groups are Kreative Arts, Conga Nya, Music Unlimited, Devine Stars, Otishka Drummers, X Factor, Enigma Dance School, Unified Tassa Group, Dave Tassa, Dubraj Tassa, Happy Feet Dance School, and Kast Dancing Group.

According to Primo, the event will present a grand opportunity for youths and others attending to get a firsthand experience with the art of drumming. It is intended to pique their interest and to possibly motivate them to pursue it.

“We (through the drumming school) create a space to help others learn the art form,” he added.

Primo is one of the four teachers at the school, having been taught since the age of seven by an older brother (now deceased).

“His legacy lives on through the school. Drumming was never my thing but while growing up and learning the art, and understanding the importance of it, I found a love for it,” he expressed.

Primo who launched the drumming school in 2010 added that he thought that that was a good way to give back to the community, and, about five years ago, he opened a branch in Louisiana, USA, which has about 60 members.

The school here, at Lot 23 John and Norton Streets, Werk-en-Rust, has 20 members and is growing.

“We teach the art of Afro-Caribbean drumming to kids and adults. We have the beginner, intermediate and professional levels. From as young as four years old; no matter the age, we teach you to play the drum,” Primo said.

The school was created with the focus of revitalising the drumming art form and to give young people an opportunity to learn to play.