good wishes to abdoulaye diakite

[bubudi]

many of you have heard of abdoulaye diakite, an old style bamana djembe master from tambacounda, senegal.

this week abdoulaye was found unconscious in his bedroom. he had suffered carbon monoxide poisoning due to an old fuel heater he used. he remains stable in a coma in hospital.

abdoulaye has left a lasting legacy in california over the last 20 years or so, but is well appreciated around the world, particularly for his deep knowledge of the old tradition and history. let's hope he makes a full recovery.

[James]

Yikes... I'm sending Abdoulaye and his family and friends good vibes.

[bops]

Amen

[Marc_M]

Play djembe - open your heart.

I did a search on YouTube and found this interesting video. I have never met the man, but if this is the same Master, then I was really moved by his words.



Best wishes to abdoulaye diakite and his family.

[the kid]

abdoulaye is an inspiration to us all to play drum and be nice people. respect to him and his family, friends and students.

[bubudi]

thanks everybody for your words and prayers. around midday on saturday, abdoulaye awoke from his coma. he was sluggish but clearly comprehended what was being said, responded to questions and recognized everyone who had gathered around him to pay their respects and wish him a full recovery. the majority of medical apparatus has been removed, including ventilator and feeding tube. he is sleeping a lot but it's clear he is making good progress. let's continue to direct some positive energy to him and pray for his full recovery. unfortunately, since his extended family in senegal depend on him, and his family in berkeley has stopped working to be by his side, this has had a devastating effect on them financially. if any of you feel inclined to help, drumskull drums is accepting donations to abdoulaye and his family. see their site for details.

[bops]

so good to hear that Abdoulaye's recovering. I'll be placing an order with DSD this weekend (after I get paid) and I'll be making a small contribution too. I encourage others to so as well, if you have the means. In any case, keep up the prayers, positive vibes, and of course the drumming.

[Dugafola]

what cha getting from the shop, bops???

[bops]

what cha getting from the shop, bops???

New cow skin round...the skin on my Guinea jembe popped last week.

[Dugafola]

what cha getting from the shop, bops???

New cow skin round...the skin on my Guinea jembe popped last week.

cool. i haven't been able to get into playing Cow skin. i've had 3 different cow skins that all popped within 2-3 months of getting skinned. i know they are getting a big shipment of mali stuff supposedly on monday. lots of skins on the way. i have a new IC iroko shell coming though....

[bubudi]

on 4th november abdoulaye was moved out of critical care and into his own room. he is alert for longer periods of time and is making good progress with physical therapy. his fighting spirit and sense of humour have been showing over the last weeks as he has joked with some of the familiar faces that have visited him in hospital. tests have been conducted to assess the level of damage to his brain but it will be a while yet before we know. at this stage it appears his memory of past events is quite good, but his memory of the recent past has been affected. it will be a long recovery process and not all people will fully recover after a brain injury. abdoulaye's message to open our hearts and that the djembe has the power of unity, healing and strength has been an inspiration to many people across the world. it is jebebara that has got him this far and if we all come together to help, jebebara will hopefully see him to a full recovery.

[bubudi]

[James]

Wicked, thanks for that...

[jamsa]

http://www.abdoulayeupdate.com

[bubudi]

abdoulaye was moved to a rehab centre in february. with a team of therapists working on the areas of physical, occupational and speech therapy, he has made good progress in his first month. he is now able to use both arms and play his drum, remembering the names of the rhythms he plays. he has also regained some use of both his legs, his appetite is improving and he has more energy during the day. if he continues to make progress he will remain there for more rehabilitation. in addition, some music and massage therapists have been called in to assist with his daily pain and spiritual wellbeing.

this is far from over and still a long way to go for abdoulaye. he has lost a great deal of physical strength and flexibility and has other complications of being on long term bedrest.

efforts are under way to bring abdoulaye's wife over from senegal. donations are still most welcome and very much needed. donations can be made by cheque to:
Abdoulaye Diakite Fund
Sent to: DrumSkull Drums
105 Pioneer Street, Suite C
Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

Credit Card donations can be paid to:
DrumSkull Drums
Contact Person: Ryan or Matt
Contact Info: 831-429-5766 / info@drumskulldrums.com