Fabulous First Day

Waking to sunny skies and a view of Table Mountain signals the beginning of a great day.

First I visited the University of Cape Town Campus where I studied spring 2009. This was preceded by running into local South and southern African friends made during my studies. These events confirmed the realness of my return.

A visit to Green Market Square, in Cape Towns city center in the afternoon, was an awesome adventure. Similar to my memory, it was packed with African artists from acroos the continent selling goods from rock carvings to paintings and musical instruments. After meandering like a typical tourists (getting bribes right and left) I spotted a man in his mid thirties playing Djembe (the West African Drum). To my excitement he happily embraced the opportunity to teach a foreign musician basic rhythms and obliged me in a 30 minute (music lesson). Upon detailing the purpose of my time in Cape Town we exchanged contact information and he offered to come to Ntonga Music School and teach Djembe on occasion. A Senegalese Native with a passion and knowledge for West African Music, I was filled with excitement finding yet another music connection and possibility for music collaboration.

My eventful day finished in a meeting with Jason and his girlfriend Caroline. Jason is a member of the Playing for Change Foundation Band and Caroline does weekly visits to the Ntonga Music School. She gave me an update on the school sharing her thoughts and concerns and allowing me to share my vision for the school. All the while keeping in mind my role is to act as a guiding force at the school. At the end of the day understanding and supporting what the Ntonga School Board wants, is my highest priority.

To return to PFCF main page click bellow:
www.playingforchange.org