Hey there! I’m Tulletha, founder of Rhythm Re-Connect, Enthusiastic facilitator of West African drumming and world music inspired classes! I’m here to help you re-connect with rhythm, and to improve the quality of your life using tools like the djembe, (hand drum) body percussion and other instruments! Are you ready to play, to connect with community and improve your well-being?!?!
My journey into Drumming
Believe it or not, I had a belief that I couldn’t drum and I didn’t have rhythm! I was invited to a full moon drumming evening and was too shy to try the drum! I just sat and observed and didn’t think too much of it.
Later on down the track, while I was working at a bird sanctuary, a volunteer there (and now friend) had mentioned to try a drum session they were hosting. So eventually I went along.
At the time this was happening my Mum was unwell. And eventually died that year. At the end of that year the local drum group brought Robert Koffie Fugah from Kadodo Drum and Dance School (originally from Ghana) to the area and I attended his workshop.
From there I was sold on the whole thing, the music, the cultural elements, the energy and charisma of him and the things we were learning.
I decided to invest some inheritance money into a drum the following week and the rest is history, so they say!
From there...
I spent the first year of my drum journey travelling to Wellington classes, led by Simon Elwell (Kubatana/Djembe NZ) going to festivals around the country and getting into the workshops led by the likes of Miro Klima (Nelson/Motueka) Jimi Dale (Drum talk, Auckland) Chewy Wilson (Alive metal hand pan, Auckland) and to retreats led by Nathan and Amanda Bregman from African drumming Waikato with teachers such as Chris Berry, Yaw and Koffie.
In the year of 2020 I completed African drumming teacher training run by African drumming Australia, as I had for a long time, an interest and vision in sharing this passion with others and helping them discover the joy and benefits of African rhythms, drumming and dance.
I’ve participated in dozens of workshops and retreats over the past 3.5 years and attended many festival events over that time frame (which I love) and supported Koffie at various events around the country.
This passion has since brought me to lead my own weekly class and I hope to continue to offer sessions to others through education, team building and corporate environments in the future.
In my earlier career (over a period of 14+ years) I was an outdoor facilitator, working in education and guiding contexts worldwide. This role had me working with a large variety of people and age groups, from all walks of life.
I worked for the likes of Outward Bound NZ, FULL ON (youth self development), YMCA, High schools, Project K, Outdoor Ed camps in Australia and Adventure tourism, often in senior management roles.
I’ve also spent a period of time teaching Yoga and holding space for others in similar environments over the years. I hold a DIP in Professional coaching and many other ‘qualifications’ that support my experience in facilitation, teaching and holistic well-being.
Let’s just say imparting knowledge and helping guide others has been a huge part of my life!
I hope that the life experience I bring, help to create a well rounded, safe, supportive learning environment and enjoyable experience to those that participate in my sessions.
That’s about all from me for now, Hope to drum with you soon!
Tulletha.
* A special thanks must go to Glenys who planted the seed to try drumming and for her contribution to the drum community in the Wairarapa. To Koffie for the support and inspiration over the years and encouragement to step into leading. To Simon for your teachings in the early days of my journey.
Lastly huge gratitude and recognition to all ancestors who have passed before us, sharing the art forms, knowledge, tradition and connection to spirit through the embodiment of music – It’s universal and connects us all.