Divine Rhythm, United Motion

An award-winning reggae group that creates a unique musical gumbo of continental African and African Diasporic rhythms melded with smooth vocals, colorful staging, pop hooks and melodious sounds and a healthy dose of jazz, funk, R&B and Latin influences!

D.R.U.M., an African percussion ensemble, has mesmerized thousands of fans since its inception in 1987 by lead singer/percussionist Alafia Gaidi.

D.R.U.M. has been featured in concert with groups as diverse as WAR, Gil- Scott Heron, Baba Olatunji, Burning Spear, Lakeside, Gregory Isaacs and Black Uhuru. They have often used their music to rally support for broad-based causes like Amnesty International or Sunshine Kids (for children with cancer). Their current repertoire includes shows of original material and cover tunes ranging from Bob Marley to Motown.

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"200 BEST WORLD BEAT MUSIC" Drum shows off their repeat Houston Press Reader's Poll Award		AWARDS: 2004 Houston Press Music Awards Best World Beat Music 2003 Houston Press Music Awards Best World Beat Music 2002 Houston Press Music Awards Best World Beat Music 2001 Houston Press Music Awards Best World Beat Music 2000 Houston Press Music Awards Best Reggae/World Music 1999 Houston Press Music Awards Best Reggae/World Music 1998 Houston Press Music Awards Best Reggae/World Music 1998 Houston Public News Music Poll Best World Music 1997 Houston Press Music Awards Best Reggae/World Music 1997 Houston Public News Staff Pick Best Reggae/World Music 1996 Public News Reader's Poll Best World Beat 1995 Houston Press Music Awards Best Reggae/World Music 1995 Houston Press Music Awards Best Traditional/Best Ethnic 1994 Public News Reader's Poll Best World Beat 1993 Public News Reader's Poll Best Urban Contemporary 1992 Public News Reader's Poll Best World Beat Music 1991 Public News Reader's Poll
Drum in Japan 2004		PUBLISHED WORKS: The following is a list of the works D.R.U.M. has created.   Africanexus- Compact Disc, 1998 (C) Drumusic A compilation of musical styles including Nyabinghi, samba, traditional West African rhythms & chants, reggae, dub, funk, and jazz, with a touch of soul. The CD references five languages: English, Creole, Yoruba, Bantu and Portuguese.   Ancient Sounds of the Suture, 1994 (C) Drumusic The groups' maiden voyage recording featuring a traditional West African work song, South African Mbaqanga, New Orleans Mardi Gras rhythms and Roots Reggae. Houston Press music editor, Brad Tyer reviewed the cassette and called it "uplifting... a clean sound" and "was surprised that the energy of D.RU.M.'s live performance could be captured on tape so well".   Plantationland- Film Soundtrack, 1995.   AlliAweusi- Film Soundtrack, 1994 Documentary on the life of the artist, writer, poet, actor and activist.   Just Living - Film Soundtrack, 1993.   2005...Scoring music for the film Electric Purgatory:the fate of the black rocker The music score for the film was recorded by D.R.U.M. and special guests and mastered at Drumusic Studios by lead engineer, Anura.

MUSICIANS...

ALAFIA GAIDI Sings lead vocals, plays the tenor saxophone, jembe, flute, congas, shekere and ago-go bell.		ANURA NEYSADURAI Anura plays keyboards, Hammond Organ and Fender Rhodes.
NATHAN FAULK Nathan sings, plays the trap drums, jun-jun, cowbell, melodic bells, shakers and the gong.		JAMAALUDIYN ALI Jamaal sings backup, plays guitar, rain stick and moroccas.
OSAKWE RIKONDJA Osakwe sings, plays bass, jembe, congas, berimbau, bongos, alto saxophone, jun-jun, ago-go bell, blcks, quica, tamborine, jinglebells, vibra-slap and shakers.		ADDITIONAL MUSICIANS (RAPPERS, POETS, ETC) ARE ADDED AND AVAILABLE DEPENDING ON VENUE NEEDS.