Afrika Green
Pet Shop Boys, High Contrast, Becky Hill
I would describe my drumming style as…
“Heavily influenced by the ’80s funk era mixed with percussive flavours from Latin America.”
I use…
“Mapex drums, a mix ofSabian and Istanbul cymbals, a mix of Pearl andMapex hardware, Roland SPD-SX, KT10 Kick Trigger, FD9 Hat Trigger, Native Instruments Maschine Studio. I am endorsed by Roland, Vater, Ultimate Ears, Native instruments.”
The secret to playing drums well is…
“Be open and willing to take on new experiences and challenges. Don’t categorise your playing and abilities. Be forever building a stronger and richer relationship with your drums. Strive to channel your inner voice through your instrument.”
Assuming Bonham is a given, my favourite drummers ever are…
“Damien Schmitt and Jojo Mayer.”
Self-taught or lessons?
“Both, I used to sneak into the music room in middle school during lunch times and recreate beats from the music that I was listening to on my CD Walkman. By the time I got caught by the teacher I could already play and the school encouraged me to get lessons.I did so with multiple teachers, right until I graduated uni, then I went it alone again.I find I now learn not only from other drummers but other musicians and experiences.”
My first drumset was…
“CB drums in a leopard print wrap with an extra 8" tom. I felt like Carmine Appice without the ’tache!”
The best drumming advice I’ve ever been given is…
“‘It’s about enjoying the journey not focusing on arriving at the destination,’ said to me by a university lecturer at a time whenI was so hungry to be the best drummer I could be, but forgetting to enjoy the journey of learning.”
What I’m up to right now is…
“Currently I’m finishing my memoir then next year I’m back drumming for the Pet Shop Boys, Becky Hill and High Contrast.”
