LAHORE: It was a fascinating, vibrant and cheery evening in the lush green lawns of the Alhamra Art Centre where the drum circle performance took place on Friday.

A drum circle is a gathering of individuals who come together to play drums and other percussion instruments in a communal setting. The purpose can range from simple enjoyment and social connection to therapeutic and spiritual experiences. Ali Darbuka Group inspired the audience with its drum beating at the lawns of the art centre.

The performance was organised by the Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts.

“The main purpose of a drum circle in my humble opinion is to join together in an effort to raise vibrations of peace, love and harmony,” said Ali Darbuka, the lead drummer of the group, while talking to Dawn.

“Darbuka is a Turkish music instrument, which has got great attraction with its sound renditions. That’s why the group is called Ali Darbuka Drum Circle, Darbuka is part of the musical instruments played during the performance,” he added.

Ali Darbuka whose actual name is Ali Ejaz belongs to Patiala Gharana and is a student of Sahir Ali Bagga.

“It’s our first show at Alhamra and the group features six drummers,” said Darbuka, adding that the group had performed nationally and internationally.

The young drummers were of the view that “when they gather in a circle, there is no leader or follower, we are all equal, although one person may begin with a beat or groove (rhythm pattern), others pick it up and add to it in whatever way they can, regardless of skill level. When it begins to gel, there can actually be a glow seen on the faces of those participating, as well as any onlookers”.

There was a fantastic audience, mostly the young people, attending the event sitting in a circle and its members actively interacted with the drumbeaters while beating small drums. They were excited and feeling jubilant to be a part of the performance. Like interactive theatre, the drum circle is also interactive that fully involves the audience to the rhythmic beats.

Alhamra Academy of Performing Arts Deputy Director Muhammad Arif told Dawn that the drum circle would be a regular feature at the Alhamra Art Centre, adding that the first show was a big success.

“The drum performance is not a ticketed event,” he said and added that the council would soon announce the schedule of drum circle performances for December.

Lahore Arts Council board of governors chairman Razi Ahmed also attended the event.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2024