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Testimonials

"This is me saying a BIG THANK YOU to all of you for all your hard work towards making this breakfast a success that it was. My clients, Telkom and Vodacom are very happy, the Deputy Minister of Justice thinks that the event was out of this world."
Wall of Solidarity Breakfast
The team were mesmerized, they had so much fun... Your guys were so amazing, on tim,e and so energetic. It was absolutely amazing!
Nicole, Arise Teambuilding
We are happy to report that the performance was EXCELLENT. Wow, what energy, our directors and staff were blown away.
Please pass on sincerest thanks to ALL the guys!
Gabriella Ronchini
Human Resources and Administration Manager
We as the Specialists Group would like to thank Ben and his team for a very successful evening. The participants have thouroughly enjoyed the evening and it has set the tone for a very successful conference.
I would like to thank Ben and the team for a job well done. By word of mouth your marketing is currently being done by the 100 people who participated as it was an experience that they cannot stop talking about.
Once again thank you for all the arrangements and for an unforgetable evening.
Christo Badenhorst
It was absolutely awesome, enjoyed by all and your team are definitely the BEST!
Michelle
The session was wonderful and the feedback was really good. As usual enjoyed by all.
Nati and the guys are always punctual and professional.

Thanks once again. We will be in touch for the next session early next year.
Roselyn Mangar
Senior Learning Facilitator
Old Mutual Academy for Financial Planners
It was the most brilliant thing you have ever seen or could ever imagine! We are deeply and sincerely grateful to Warren for making it possible, and to you Nicky for all the organizing! Mpho was fantastic! She did a brilliant job with the whole team!
It made the Wedding, and we've had the most incredible feedback on the day!
DRUM CAFE WE LOVE YOU
Thanks so much
Taddy
Love South Africa's youth.
I would like to express my complete and utter joy in your crews performance at the airport, they were absolutely brilliant and took the welcome that we were providing to the next level
They were professional and a total joy to watch they performed to and excellent standard
Thank you for coming onboard with the WCTAH I no doubtable will be using your services again at some point and I will be giving your company name to all the people who may enquire about entertainment for functions
Adrian Vigus-Brown
Chef
PMSACA 14696
Unilever Chef of the Year T4 winner
A drum without a facilitator is just a drum. A drum with facilitators like Ben and his team becomes an instrument of endless joy and great excitement that bonds people together. Participants forget about the world and they only become aware of the music from the drums and heartbeat of the group.
Eskom
United Cricket Board, on Basadi’s opening ceremony performance for Women’s World Cup Cricket, 2005
”Your mesmerizing performance got all the guests talking to no end…”
As usual your guys rocked the room and the kids had such a good time. We will push to use you guys for next year’s activity again.
Quinton, Streamline Venues
I just want to say a BIG thank-you to you and the guys from The Drum Cafe, we had an absolute blast doing our Gum Boot dancing and the 5 guys that did the session where friendly, fun and full of energy.
We will definitely recommend the Drum Cafe to others.
Natalie
It was absolutely fantastic
The guys loved the cultural side of the drumming, and it was the perfect ice breaker for the day!
Thanks again for all of your help with the booking.
Kirsten
The fifteen minutes with Tiny and the team of ladies were the highlight of the day. Our American guests absolutely loved the interactive drumming and the singing, and I thought it was brilliantly and professionally done. Well done to all of you for a truly incredible experience that will stay with us for a long time to come.
Kerry Harrison
Group Talent Manager
MASSMART Holdings Limited
It was the bomb. The group really enjoyed it and had lots of fun. Thank you very much for such friendly, professional and enthusiastic drummers.
Oliver Oppenberg
Managing Member
PROMINENT Events
I sat in yesterday's drumming session. The atmosphere was electrified. All the delegates left on a complete "high". It was an absolute blast as always.
Odette
Good day

I would like to thank you for your quick, professional and friendly service, you were the only one that was prepared to help me that fast. I am still waiting for reply by other stores. I would definitely recommend you and make use of your services again.

Thanks again – it is truly appreciated!

P.S. The drum you delivered to me is great!!
Mandri Mans
I attended the HP Drum Cafe session held at Vodaworld yesterday and was really blown away by the experience! I really do not have the greatest rhythm but the most important thing for me was the feeling I got while drumming yesterday – it was awesome!
Hewlett-Packard Company
I feel more at peace than I've been for months. I loved the rhythmical, hypnotic feeling - it's both tranquillising and energising.
Shona Bagley, Editor Elle Magazine
They were so energetic and got even the most uptight, shyest people in our group to get up and dance freely. One could really see that they are passionate about what they do.
Absa
The crew from Drum Cafe was incredible! They got the vibe going and me and my clients dancing to the beats! I really enjoyed every single aspect of Drum Cafe from the dealings with you to the actual performance!
So thank you very much, i will definitely be using your company in the future!

Kevro Pretoria
I can't tell you how wonderful and vibey it was.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it.
Your guys (esp Nyathi) did such a fantastically amazing job!
I will definitely be in touch with you to set up similar sessions with other departments.
Thanks a million to your team for a job excellently done!

Regards
Nishani

It was well coordinated event and the feedback from staff has been incredibly positive. Drum Cafe has always been a reliable source for good fun and health team building and the “whacking” certainly warmed our cold hands J

A big thank you to White and the team for bringing the energy and enthusiasm.

Jamie Gurr
Service Supervisor
Insurance Outsourcing Managers Holdings Ltd

We had a marvellous team building. Made special by your team from Drum Cafe. Tim and his team got the staff going immediately and our staff just loved it and fully participated.
Your drum leader ( I apologise for not getting his name) is fantastic and absolutely entertaining and we all had our eyes peeled on him! I have never heard our staff that noisy and happy.
Many say it was our best team building ever!
Please pass our thanks to your Durban team, we so appreciate their talent and efforts.The whole experience from getting quotes etc to the last moment was efficient and painless!

Philippa
The drumming was amazing. Ben and his crew were so much fun. Everyone enjoyed it tremendously and I am sure that this was not the last time we interacted with the Drum Cafe.
Thanks a mill for everything.

Saretha PRINSLOO
Human Resources Specialist
Human Resources Department

Your team was absolutely incredible! They were very interactive and got the crowd going!
Thanks so much and looking forward to booking with you in the future.

Dena Bloch
Chapter Administrator
YPO Johannesburg

A big thank you to White and the team for bringing thea energy and enthusiasm.
Jamie Gurr
Service Supervisor
Insurance Outsourcing Managers Holdings Ltd

Even the most cynical member of our team was blown away by the event.
Interactive Events ( 53 items )
Standard Bank

Even the most cynical member of our team was blown away by the event.
Interactive Events ( 53 items )
Standard Bank

Drumming testimonials

“… amazing … amazing … something different … something unique!”
Barney Simon, 5FM (on 1st Project)
"The Drum Café guys were fantastic!!!! They really lifted the whole event to a different level."
Mindset Launch
“You were all stars and we are deeply grateful for the efforts you went to ensure that Old Mutual's 160th birthday really was a party of note.”
Old Mutual’s 160th birthday celebrations,  350 people, June 2005
“I would like to thank you for the huge part that you played in creating the success of the SA Rugby On-Field-Entertainment for the Vodacom and Tri-Nations Rugby Test matches, 2004. Your dynamic and creative direction of the drummer’s performance added an innovative element to the performance. You most certainly achieved the performance objective of crowd participation.”
Vodacom and Tri-Nations Rugby Test matches, 2004
“Stunning performance. The Client wanted them to come back and drum more.”

6-piece drumming as the 2010 World Cup Soccer bid was announced, May 2004
"It was a skilled, yet warm performance and we definitely look forward to our next successful endeavour with the Drum Café!"
SAP Africa, 350 people, February 2005
“A big thank you to you and your team for the wonderful performance of drumming at the inauguration of the building. The jubilation of the audience was awesome and tears of joy were screened all across the square.”
Opening of the Constitutional Court Of South Africa, 2004
“All the feedback I have received from Durban and Cape Town has been very positive. In Johannesburg, the performance was outstanding and effectively assisted us in achieving a general awareness in the office of the rewards programme we were launching.”
Ernst & Young, 2005
“Basadi were a big hit! The crowd stood in the rain to watch them!”
"It was a skilled, yet warm performance and we definitely look forward to our next successful endeavour with the Drum Café!"

BMW, 12 000 people, November 2004
“Never before have I had the opportunity of working with a group of people as receptive, willing and friendly as your staff at Drum Café. Their professional natures as well as their exceptional skill of drumming rounded off my evening.”
Stallion Security Awards Evening, 2004
"Many thanks for arranging the drummers at such short notice for us. We find that the drummers always help create an awesome vibe at our functions. We find the drummers always very willing and very accomodating."
Citigroup
"This is me saying a BIG THANK YOU to all of you for all your hard work towards making this breakfast a success that it was. My clients, Telkom and Vodacom are very happy, the Deputy Minister of Justice thinks that the event was out of this world."
Wall of Solidarity Breakfast (all Ministers of Parliament), 2003
“The Drumming experience was a huge highlight for our foreign delegates! It gave them a feel of some of the things we pride ourselves in as South African and gave them a taste of what a rich culture we have. They loved it, pity they don't have rhythm like we (South Africans) do!”
BMW, 40 people, March 2005
“The marimba ladies and 1st Project were absolutely fantastic! Their performance was outstanding.”
Futuristix, 2005
"Many thanks for arranging the drummers at such short notice for us. We find that the drummers always help create an awesome vibe at our functions. We find the drummers always very willing and very accomodating."
Citigroup
“… beautiful … awesome … their hands are on fire …”
Phat Joe (on 1st Project)
"This is me saying a BIG THANK YOU to all of you for all your hard work towards making this breakfast a success that it was. My clients, Telkom and Vodacom are very happy, the Deputy Minister of Justice thinks that the event was out of this world."
Wall of Solidarity Breakfast (all Ministers of Parliament), 2003
“Absolutely outstanding… All loved them; they have so much energy. They were truly awesome!”
6-piece drumming, Cell C, July 2005
"Many thanks for arranging the drummers at such short notice for us. We find that the drummers always help create an awesome vibe at our functions. We find the drummers always very willing and very accomodating."
Citigroup
“The Drumming experience was a huge highlight for our foreign delegates! It gave them a feel of some of the things we pride ourselves in as South African and gave them a taste of what a rich culture we have. They loved it, pity they don't have rhythm like we (South Africans) do!”
BMW, 40 people, March 2005

Drumming testimonials UCB and others

"Your mesmerizing performance got all the guests talking to no end..."

United Cricket Board (on Basadi Le Meropa)
"We definitely enjoyed the stilt walking and the fire performance the most."

Guardrisk, The Hilton, 2004
"... The recording team from the BBC (UK) including members of Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society were very impressed with Basadi's performance. I am generally known to be an impossible musician or rather an impossible perfectionist but even I was excited to have had an opportunity of working with these girls from scratch with these musical arrangements. They were wonderful, brilliant and impressive... Congratulations girls you did us proud and very proud."
Thangana Krila Gobingca George KaMxadana.
Music Director Imilonji KaNtu Choral Society, 2005
"They created such a lovely vibe. Professional, punctual and very passionate."

Axiz
"The show was lovely; the guys were divine!"

Anglo-American
"The gumboot and Bushman dancing was wonderful. It all went very well."

Department of Sport and recreation SA, March 2005
"The client was very happy and the dancing was well received by the guests. The Minister of Trade and Industry stayed behind to watch"
Department of Trade and Industry, Pantsula Dance, March 2005
"Great mix and Paul on the digeridoo was brilliant."

Hewlett Packard, Hugo’s Place, 18 people, January 2004
"Thank you so much for your efficient and excellent service in providing us with the drummers and praise singer for our internal African Valentine's function. What an impression! The original poem Mandla wrote was an absolute hit."
CSIR, 2004
"The sound of the steel pan was lovely! Perfect, perfect!"

Tarsus
"We did not want to let them go home. Wonderful!"

IBM, October 2004
"The marimba band was great and added a festive element to the atmosphere."

High-profile Mindset Launch, Market Theatre, 2004
"The client was thrilled. It was stunning!"

Launch of Coca Cola Lemon Flavour, September 2004
"The gumboot and Bushman dancing was wonderful. It all went very well."

Department of Sport and recreation SA, March 2005
"The marimba band was so friendly and professional! They stole the show. We are so impressed."
Pioneer year-end function, 4-piece marimba, 150 people, November 2004
"I would like to say thank you for your input and contribution to making our 1st Quarter Group Finance Function a success. The Drum Cafe performance was superb and I will not hesitate to use your service again."
Social and Environmental Forum, Nedbank
"I would like to say thank you for your input and contribution to making our 1st Quarter Group Finance Function a success. The Drum Cafe performance was superb and I will not hesitate to use your service again."
Social and Environmental Forum, Nedbank
"Basadi crept so deep under my skin. They were amazing – such an important part of the awards."
President’s National Awards, October 2004
"We definitely enjoyed the stilt walking and the fire performance the most."

Guardrisk, The Hilton, 2004
"Thank you for supplying the fantastic Basadi Le Meropa for the welcoming of the guests. They were outstanding and their energy and rhythmic beats really created excitement and entertainment for the guests arriving. The show was a great success and everything ran so smoothly."
Eskom eta Awards, 2004
“The international guests loved the instruments. It went very well.”

6-piece busking performance  Deloitte & Touche, 260 people, September 2004
"Basadi were wonderful! Everyone enjoyed the ladies and were happily clapping away."

SAPPI, main entertainment during a dinner for 24 Chinese and South African delegates, January 2005
"It was obvious the group is doing something they love to do. It added to the performance seeing them smile and give their all!"

SAPPI, 2005
"Great mix and Paul on the digeridoo was brilliant."

Hewlett Packard, Hugo’s Place, 18 people, January 2004
"Great mix and Paul on the digeridoo was brilliant."

Hewlett Packard, Hugo’s Place, 18 people, January 2004
"It is with the help of professional suppliers such as yourselves that we were able to make the evening such a success."
Launch of Hazeldene Hall, May 2005
"They really were fantastic!"

Wescoal, July 2005
"The sound of the steel pan was lovely! Perfect, perfect!"

Tarsus, island-theme function, 90 people, January 2005
"The marimba band was so friendly and professional! They stole the show. We are so impressed."

Pioneer year-end function, 4-piece marimba, 150 people, November 2004

Drumming testimonials corporate

“Thank you so much for the wonderful performance at Nutbush Boma last Friday evening. The energy, vibrancy and costumes were terrific.”
Discovery Health, “Shebeen Experience”
“Loved it!"
Dulux, August 2003
“The marimba ladies and 1st Projects were absolutely fantastic! Their performance was outstanding!”
Futuristix, 40-minute show at Sun City boma, April 2005
“Thank you so much for the wonderful performance at Nutbush Boma last Friday evening. The energy, vibrancy and costumes were terrific.”
Discovery Health, “Shebeen Experience”
“I would like to express our particular appreciation to you for organising the excellent Mam’Spinza show. The guests had a great time and I believe your performers played a huge part in getting to know each other and feel more relaxed at the finals.”
Peugot, “Shebeen Experience”, The Meat Company, Rivonia
“We loved it!”
Rectron Gala Dinner, April 2005
“The show was fantastic; the audience loved it. It definitely added to the day and made it more memorable.”
Lever Ponds Family Day, “Africa Now!”, 2 400 people
“It was super. All enjoyed it!”

Oracle’s year-end function, December 2004
“This show was exciting…”

Guardrisk, “Africa Now!”, The Hilton, 2004

Drumming testimonials SAP and Vodacom

"The Shebeen Evening we held at Sun City was a resounding success, due in large to the energetic, vibrant and professional performance of the Drum Cafe. Our staff loved the interactive parts of the evening, and we all thoroughly enjoyed the different genres and dances that the group took us through. It was a skilled, yet warm performance and we definitely look forward to our next successful endeavour with the Drum Cafe"
SAP Africa, “Shebeen Experience”, 350 people, February 2005
“I would like to thank you for the huge part that you played in creating the success of the SA Rugby On-Field-Entertainment for the Vodacom and Tri-Nations Rugby Test matches, 2004. Your dynamic and creative direction of the drummer’s performance added an innovative element to the performance. You most certainly achieved the performance objective of crowd participation.”
Vodacom and Tri-Nations Rugby Test matches, 2004

Drumming testimonials orchestra

“A superb work of art, with in-depth factual research. Musicologists, educational institutions, art and culture practitioners and the general public will welcome this long-overdue book. A great reference for traditional music in South Africa, much of which is threatened by extinction. Well done to the Drum Cafe on this enriching initiative!”
Thagana Krila Gobingca George KaMxadana, Deputy Chairman Arts & Culture Trust (ACT), founder member of the Mzantsi Traditional Orchestra
“All credit to the Drum Cafe for introducing people to the fundamentals of African musicality through drumming, and now for giving us this own book about our own music.”
Andrew Tracey (Professor), International Library of African Music, Rhodes University
“The Drum Cafe’s Traditional Music of South Africa is a true musical journey to the many different styles of indigenous music we had in the past, still and always have, in and around South Africa. Dating back to many, many generations, it addresses very important issues about who we are; where we come from and where we go from here. And in its own humble way also offers us a true way of really seeing ourselves as an African nation in every sense of the word and allows us to be proud to be South Africans. This book is beautifully illustrated and will give readers, both young and old, a new vision and understanding why it is vitally important for us as South Africans to know our own history. I congratulate all the Drum Cafe crew, Laurie Levine and Anthony Caplan for a job well done!”
Pops Mohammed (‘The Futurist’), traditional instrument specialist; ancient, present and future musician / producer / composer

Drumming testimonials education

“Thank you for a wonderful performance at our recent fundraising event held at the Standford Lake Barnyard.”

Pathways-Polokwane (Stimulation Centre for Children with Disabilities)
"You're drumming here
You're drumming there
You're absolutely everywhere
We liked the beats
We liked the tones
It rattled and tickled all our bones
It made us smile
And made us scream
Much better than strawberries and cream
Thanks a lot. It was excellent!"

Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool
“Both children and fathers had a wonderful morning and I would like to express my deep appreciation for your wonderful contribution to a most successful morning.”
Susan Davies, HOD, Grade 0, Dainfern College
“Kadimah workers would like to thank you most sincerely for a wonderful musical performance on the 14th March 2005. We all enjoyed it and loved the drumming and the musical instruments.”
Kadimah Occupational Centre
“I attended the world wide rally in Las Vegas on May 10, 2009,
when you preformed. I must say that was the most uplifting time and help
take a manager that was on her last leg and show her that through rythym I
can go back to my store and succeed. Thank you so very much from Waco,”

Texas, Dawn Sims-Domino's Pizza
"A very big thanks to The Drum Cafe team for an absolutely spectacular event. We're getting lots of buzz from employees and I personally thought your session was fantastic - incredibly motivational and I really couldn't think of a more perfect way to wrap up our event. I knew you guys would be awesome, but you were better than I had anticipated. I hope we'll be able to collaborate again in the future."
Simon McPherson, North America Event Planner, Sabre Travel Network / Travelocity
''Our CEO and other executives have referred to the Drum Cafe piece as the highlight of the meetings, and leaders from all over the world have called to thank us for including your troupe.
Neil Erickson - Corporate Communications Director"
GMAC-RFC
''The drum session we had was thoroughly enjoyed by all. This was a great ice breaker and a wonderful exercise in team collaboration… there was a unanimous conveyance of positive remarks, thank you for winning over even the biggest skeptic in our group."
Camia Peacock - Georgia Power Company
“We measure the success of the project by how quickly the children learn to smile again. With your support and your very dynamic performance that you did for “Voices” at the Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children Clinic you have helped us make this possible.”
The Teddy Bear Clinic
“Your guys were really fantastic and a wonderful form of entertainment for all. It was so lovely to see both parents and children all participating in the drumming event.”
Marist Brothers Linmeyer Champagnat Carnival
"My party went off swimmingly well last night and was complimented by some free eggnog courtesy of the neighbours, whose generosity and understanding of great music contributed tremendously to the party's success. All my guests, both young and old, got into the spirit and I would like to thank you and your team for your contribution to this."
Allan Freinkel
“Thank you for making our wedding such a great occasion. You guys rock!”
Wedding of Ryan and Victoria
“Wow! The Drum Cafe certainly exceeded all expectations at our recent Camp Culture event; l can assuredly say that WOW is the impression your TEAM left on our Employees. [You] really hit the mark with your presentation. [The] facilitation skills combined both learning and FUN and brought the purpose of the...event full circle. It is our responsibility as Leaders at Southwest Airlines to perpetuate our Culture and keep the SPIRIT alive and well. I feel as though with your team’s help we have successfully driven that point home with the 2005 MIT Level II Participants.”
Cheryl Hughey, Director, People and Leadership Development Southwest Airlines, Dallas, TX.
“It was undoubtedly the most successful event we have ever had. Our 160 attendees from 34 countries were delighted to take part in such a motivational, bonding experience from the moment that they stepped into our building. It was the greatest way to start the week.”
Annet King Director of Training and Development
The International Dermal Institute and Dermalogica
"We all had a great time and the feedback has been very positive! Everyone keeps saying this was the “best meeting yet!” and The Drum Cafe was a big part of why…You got everyone to rock! I hope our paths will cross again in the future!”
Wendy Crothers, Senior Communications Specialist , Memphis, TN
"Awesome...... Everyone commented on their ability to engage the crowd and how calm and personable they were.”
Ernestine Perry - Kaiser Permanente
“We find that once the participants have taken part, they immediately connect with each other and the group “gels”. What would ordinarily take a long time for us to achieve in getting the group to bond, happens quickly once they have drummed. Your facilitators are extremely professional and manage to bring out the best in all the groups that they work with.”
Common Purpose
"Wednesday morning and everything was dull
We were working our butts off and needed to chill
Then to our surprise
The drummers arrived
And stole our hearts with musical beats
And gave each one of us the
Biggest treat Thank you Drum Café
In our hearts the beat will stay!!"

Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool
“I would like to thank you and your team for making Father’s Day a wonderful event for our fathers and children.”
Bryanston Primary School
“Both children and fathers had a wonderful morning and I would like to express my deep appreciation for your wonderful contribution to a most successful morning.”
Susan Davies, HOD, Grade 0, Dainfern College
“I think the better way to describe it is “completely blown away!” You did a phenomenal job! The executives (along with the attendees) were amazed at how well you incorporated our mission and objectives. I can honestly say that Drum Cafe was THE highlight of our conference. We continue to hear comments on how much fun it was and how impressed people were with you. We couldn't be happier and really wanted to express our sincere thanks for the performance you gave – you truly provided us an uplifting experience that enriched our daily lives!”
Kristie Schroeder - Starbucks Marketing

"Many thanks for helping us make music, the drumming session was most definitely the highlight of the weekend. What a fantastic show.”
BP

"The experience was fantastic,and exceeded even my highest expectations and wishes! My staff was stunned, surprised, and enveloped by the magic. They are still talking about it and we are all working together to make the beat go on!”

Gail Hansen - CEO - SunTrust

"Fantastic performance !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Lyndon Burrell - National Marketing Manager - PWC Canada