MIKE CHANANIE'S DRUMSHOP - Hillcrest

Nestled in the valley of Drummond, KwaZulu Natal, a small, but highly professional, drum making workshop produces quality handmade percussion instruments, from alien (Camphor and Jacaranda) woods. Great care is taken in the individual manufacture of these Slatted Djembes and Ashikos. Michael Chananie ¿ owner; manufacturer; facilitator and hand percussionist, realised that the way to build on the manufacture of these instruments, was to introduce the Djembe to as many people as possible. Starting with monthly Drum Circles this grew to introducing the Djembe to various local schools, 2 of whom developed drum ensembles with the continuous assistance of Talking Drums. The next step forward was Interactive Drumming Workshops with both corporate and educational facilities, wherein every  

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participant is involved in making music through percussion, further marketing the products and services that Talking Drums offers. As Talking Drums expanded its horizons to approach all educational facilities in KwaZulu Natal, Tracey Chananie¿s administrative and marketing skills came into play. With the increasing expansion of Talking Drums, Corporate Interactive Sessions were developed along the lines of the format followed with high school / varsity students which includes team building, co-operation and motivational sessions. With Michael as Lead Facilitator and Tracey assisting, this two person team, sometimes with the help of a bass drummer, is becoming a household name in Interactive Drumming Workshops. Because all the Djembes are made by Michael, external hiring of instruments falls away, thereby reducing the cost of the sessions. Currently sessions of up to 200 participants can be facilitated, without having to hire in drums. Talking Drums is also open for the sale of all its hand made percussion instruments thereby keeping the price of a totally locally made product within the reach of the general public.