African rhythms shape a lifetime of music

STEPHEN Nugent has spent decades immersed in African drumming and dance, building a musical practice shaped by rhythm, movement and community.

The Ocean Shores musician began learning African dance in Sydney in 1985 with Jeanine Claes, a professor of dance from Paris, which soon led him to African drumming.

“I never started doing the drumming and dance to be a performer, I did it for the energy that it brought in the moment,” he said.

He has travelled to East Africa to study with the Shona people, who use drums in complex ensembles alongside the mbira (thumb piano) for ceremonies, guiding dancers and connecting with ancestors, with interlocking rhythms and varied stick-and-hand techniques.

“The thing I like about African dance is the variety of steps, a lot of which have come out of ritual practices, dancing for the harvest or as part of the initiation process,” he said. “A lot of it is natural, flowing movement.”

Nugent went on to teach African drumming and dance in both Sydney and the Northern Rivers, after moving here with his family for a better lifestyle

In the 1990s, he began experiencing blurred vision and was diagnosed with Central Serous Retinopathy (CSR), which has progressively worsened over the years.

“About six years ago I was declared legally blind, which just means you’re vision impaired,” he said.”I have all my peripheral vision but the point where you focus, I can’t see. I can’t drive around with a lot of drum gear so I don’t go out of my way to do it but I really like doing community and helping people who are interacting.”

After being invited by a friend, Nugent agreed to lead a drumming circle at Connecting Generations Bangalow’s free family fun day at Bangalow Heritage House on Saturday 7 February from 4 pm to 6.30pm.

The organisation offers seasonal events that aim to support those without extended family in the area and help older people live longer, more fulfilling lives.

The event will also include art and craft activities, a free sausage sizzle, free face painting and children’s entertainer Shorty Brown the Clown.

For more information, follow Connecting Generations Bangalow on Facebook.