Peter Oyedijo, centre on the drum, conducts an African drumming workshop in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality in this undated photo. CONTRIBUTED ContributedArticle contentThe Heritage African Drummers have expanded their outreach.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentOften seen performing at events, such as Cape Breton University graduation ceremonies, the Heritage African Drummers are now offering lessons to youth.Article contentArticle contentHappening every Sunday at Melnick Hall in Whitney Pier, the lessons run for two hours and teach music while sharing culture.Article content“The reception has been great so far,” said Peter Oyedijo, founder of the group.Article contentArticle content“We’ve met every Sunday since the first Sunday in April and we haven’t actually had to cancel one because no one showed up, which is a good thing. We can have 10 kids and if we have only one or two kids show up, I think of that as a good thing, as an opportunity to do a one-on-one lesson.”Article contentMUSICAL FAMILYArticle contentGrowing up in Nigeria, Oyedijo was involved in music from a young age and started drumming when he was five.Article contentHis older brother played and Oyedigo, 24, said he was exposed to drumming in church as well as in the community.Article content“I come from a very musical family,” said Oyedigo, who moved to Sydney in 2019 to attend Cape Breton University.Article content“I have an older brother who played at the church, so, naturally I would sit and watch him play … I guess I just picked it up and then I played the drums in my local high school in Nigeria, I was in the band … and then I played drums in the local church, too.”Article contentArticle contentAlong with playing the drums, Oyedijo also plays the keyboard.Article contentIn 2023, Oyedijo decided to start the Heritage African Drummers after seeing a call for musicians for a local event in September of that year.Article contentOyedijo said the response to their playing was good and from there he saw the opportunity to create the Heritage African Drummers band to bring their music to other community events and organisations.Article contentFrom there, they have decided to expand to bring workshops like the ones at Melnick Hall.Article content Peter Oyedijo, second from left, with participants of an African drumming workshop at Etoile de l’Acadie in Sydney in this undated photo. CONTRIBUTED ContributedArticle contentTYPES OF AFRICAN DRUMSArticle contentAccording to the website Dem Fire Creation, some types of West African drums are:Article contentDjembe DrumUdu DrumBowl Drum (Kettle Drum)Talking DrumBata DrumLog DrumEwe DrumsAtsimevu DrumKidi DrumArticle contentWORKSHOPS WEEKLYArticle contentThe workshops happening at Melnick Hall on Victoria Road in Whitney Pier are free to attend. Drums are provided for up to 10 students.Article contentStudents with their own drums can bring them as well.Article contentPeople can drop in or register ahead of time for the workshops.Article contentTo find out more, check out the Heritage African Drummers Facebook group. You can also email heritageafricandrummers@gmail.com or call 782-777-2485.Article content
African drumming lessons being offered in Cape Breton
