Rolling Rhythms has grown immensely since its inception as a one-off show three years ago. Featuring a cross-section of percussion instruments, groups and styles, it runs in the Playhouse Drama on July 30 and 31. “Nowhere else in South Africa is there a show exclusively highlighting percussion,” says Mike Mazzoni who devised the show with fellow percussionist Rich Ellis. “Other centres in the country may pick up on the ideas, expand upon them, and claim them as theirs - but it all originated in Durban.”

Included in the line-up are the Interitmo Drummers (who recently released a CD titled The Drum Always Knows) and the music co-operative THC, who incorporate drummers, performance and fire art, guitar and bass and dancers. Ocanatal is an open-ended project assembled by Des Biggs and Rich Ellis to suit any given situation. The trio Umgqumohle Africa (Rhythm of Africa) plays a unique and unusual blend of rhythms from South, East and West Africa while Garland of Rhythms, led by master mridagam (Southern Indian drum) player Pregalathan Singaram, presents the intricate and mystical rhythms of Indian percussion. Master exponent Shiyani Ncgobo displays Zulu stick-fighting’s rhythmic movements and the Scottish Pipe Drums are back by popular demand.

With the upsurge in popularity of drumming worldwide – not to mention the huge influence created by the British production Stomp which recently played the Grahamstown Festival, drum cafés are springing up all over South Africa and drumming circles are gaining ground as a favourite pastime.

Rolling Rhythms shows begin at 19h30. Be warned, book early - the last two shows were a sell-out! Tickets at R30 pp from Mike Mazzoni, Rich Ellis or Des Biggs on 312-0626, 312-9171, 304-5267 or 465-1183.