Thursday mornings at Saklan have a unique rhythm thanks to African drumming classes led by Isaac Narell. Through music, movement, and listening, students are introduced to the rich traditions of Ewe culture while developing skills that extend far beyond the drum.
Isaac’s journey with Ewe music began while studying at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where he learned from master drummer Alfred Ladzekpo. Along with his brother, Kobla Ladzekpo, Alfred came to the United States from the Ewe village of Anyako in southern Ghana during the 1960s to teach and share Ewe musical traditions.
Ewe music is an oral tradition that combines singing, drumming, and dancing into distinct musical styles. Rather than relying on written notation, students learn through careful listening and observation. Isaac recalls that Alfred consistently emphasized the importance of listening, a lesson that shaped him not only as a musician but also as a teacher.
“As musicians, if we aren’t listening, we miss the conversation,” Isaac explains.
As a young musician, Isaac was captivated by the complexity and sophistication of Ewe music. Intricate drumming patterns weave together to create a musical dialogue, with lead drummers guiding the ensemble through calls that signal changes in rhythm, dance, or song. Learning to understand and respond to these musical conversations felt like discovering a secret language.
Over time, Isaac came to appreciate another powerful aspect of the tradition: its ability to build community.
In Ewe culture, music serves as a social connector. Community members gather to perform at weddings, funerals, religious ceremonies, and celebrations. Music is not simply entertainment, it is a way of bringing people together.
That sense of connection is one of the reasons Isaac loves sharing Ewe music with Saklan students.
“The main function of music in Ewe culture is to promote community,” he says. “People crave meaningful interaction, and Ewe music is a powerful way to create it.”
Today, Isaac teaches Ewe music as both a celebration of West African artistry and a tool for strengthening community. Through drumming, students develop musicianship, collaboration, focus, and listening skills while gaining a deeper appreciation for a vibrant cultural tradition.
By honoring and respecting Ewe culture, Isaac helps bring something special to Saklan each week: a reminder that music has the power to connect us, challenge us, and bring us together.
