In loose-fitting, bright blue traditional African clothing, long braids and bare feet, Chaaze Roberts stood relaxed Tuesday night in front of about 25 children and parents, each grasping drums and other percussion instruments.
Roberts pointed to his new musicians.
At his signal, the children pounded the drums with all their might, too excited to keep the beat. The children with the smaller instruments leaped across the McGaw YMCA lounge.
For five minutes, Roberts moved with the music. Suddenly, he waved his hands, and the rumble slowly died down.
The children and parents had just completed their first lesson in African drumming, courtesy of Soul Creations, Roberts’ Evanston-based business.
The free hourlong session was one of a series of six events the YMCA hosts yearly to educate community members about different cultures in Evanston.
This is the second year that the YMCA, 1000 Grove St., has hosted the series, which draws from talent in the Chicago area.
On Tuesday night, the children and the adults all were eager to participate in the music. All audience members were given a chance to dance and play the instruments.
Elementary school student Star Salter attended the event with her mother and five siblings. Star said she really enjoyed the event.
“The dancing was the best part,” she said. “I liked the drums, too.”
Star’s mother, Annie, brought her children to the event because the family was in the area for her son’s football practice. Salter, who said she and her children often listen to jazz at home, said the event offered a fun change of pace from their usual routine.
“It was hands-on and something creative,” Salter said. “They seemed to really enjoy it.”
Soul Creations uses music, dancing and slideshows to educate children and adults about African culture, Roberts said.
Roberts, an Evanston resident, said he worked in a “corporate setting” until 1994, when he and a friend began a three-year tour of the United States and Africa.
In West Africa, Roberts and his friend learned about cultural drumming and dancing. When they returned to Evanston, they started Soul Creations to share their new knowledge with others.
“We use music to educate children,” Roberts said. “It teaches them behavior skills and life skills. I’ve seen a huge need for this in Evanston, and the need isn’t being met.”
Roberts and his partner will begin a school drum and dance program at Oakton Elementary School in two weeks.
The rhythms found in African drumming were originally a form of communication and are the pulse and rhythm of the culture, Roberts said.
At Tuesday’s program, Roberts discussed the roles of the different instruments and emphasized the importance of listening and responding to the beat of the music.
Most of the rhythms and instruments used by Roberts are from Mali, which is in West Africa.
The YMCA’s next event, International Family Night, will be held on Nov. 3 and will celebrate El Dia de los Muertos, a traditional Mexican holiday honoring dead friends and relatives. The holiday traces its roots back to rituals of pre-Hispanic cultures.
