Drum Ritual Trance: Celebrating Guyanese Folk Narratives

The retentions of African indigenous cultural and spiritual practices are experienced in varying degrees throughout its diaspora. In Guyana, the traditions of Kwe Kwe (a pre-nuptial ritual), Komfa, involving the calling and response to rhythmic drum beats and trance possession, myth-making and storytelling are a few of the cultural expressions that have been retained.

Celebrating the 10th anniversary of 3 publications, this presentation showcases examples of the retentions, with emphasis on the ways drums and drumming induce trance. We will consider the difference between trance and other forms of spiritual possession as explored in the 3 books:

Guyanese Komfa, The Ritual Art of Trance

"Using a multidisciplinary framework Michelle Asantewa explores questions of cultural identity and the ‘arts of imagination’ embedded in the Komfa practice. The theoretical body of the work is complemented by the inclusion of a novella called Komfa, based on the foregoing themes and issues highlighted in the overall text. This book contributes to the developing interest in African derived religious and spiritual practices, foregrounding Guyana which has largely gone unnoticed."

Mama Lou Tales: A Folkloric Biography of a Guyanese Elder

This popular book by Way Wive Wordz is a perfect introduction to Guyanese folk cultures and orality. It tells the story of an ordinary Guyanese, Lucille Davis, who migrated to the UK in search of better opportunities and the husband by whom she was abandoned. The folktales are interspersed with her own story, some humorous, others tragic. Readers who have purchased the print copy will enjoy the delightful richness of the beautifully narrated audio book, also available here. This book won a prize in the category of non-fiction for the Guyana Prize in 2022.

Something Buried in the Yard

"Journeys into the Guyanese subconscious imagination where identities are configured not by politics and race but cultural and collective experiences. The spiritual practice of Komfa is performed as a sacred ancestral rite and healing of the nation. It is set in 1992, at the time of the election that ended the 28 year rule of the African led People’s National Congress, and which gained victory for the East Indian led People’s Progressive Party. Explored through the eyes of ancestral spirits, this powerfully intriguing narrative compels all its characters to re-examine personal histories and ways of interacting with each other and their world."

All are available at Waywivewordz.com

Dr Michelle Yaa Asantewa is an award-winning author, independent scholar, cultural consultant and community activist.Her many publications include the young adult novel, Elijah, a poetry collection The Awakening, and she is the editor of the anthology In Search of Mami Wata. Michelle is the co-founder of Way Wive Wordz Publishing, Editing and Tuition Services.

This presentation by Dr Asantewa is a tribute to Guyana's 60th year of independence from British colonisation and recognises the UK's National Year of Reading. It is held in collaboration with Fulham Palace Museum, supporting their Black History 365 initiative. It is supported by Black History Walks and the African Odysseys Programme's 20th anniversary.

On Saturdays there is usually free parking - except when it's a match day. Please check before you drive that you can park near the Museum. If it is a match day it is advisable to get public transport.

The nearest underground station is Putney Bridge. For other ways of getting there - visit their website here.

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