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Percussion
SEKERE MAKER
Sara 'Fabunmi
Sara worked with Egbé Ekú Ějó from 1992 to 1997. Egbé Ekú Ějó
was an African culture society in
America whose purpose it is to promote African music, dance, crafts and theater
through the examination of African history, society and language.
She is proud to be an initiated priestess of Obŕtálá, the great African King of the White Cloth and Orisa of peace, purity and creativity. This spiritual connection has prompted her to pursue a life filled with art, crafts, music and various other forms of creative self expression.
Sara began facilitating sekere making workshops at the University City Arts League in 1995. She also makes and sells sekeres for musicians, gift shops, music shops and as vendors' merchandise at fairs, festivals, and other events.
She has developed a line of sekere jewelry called, Kekere Sekere or tiny sekere, which can be suspended from a cord or chain and worn around the neck.
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HOW MUCH DO SEKERES COST? HOW TO ORDER SEKERES FOREIGN DELIVERY?
GETTING THE GOURD YOU WANT WHERE DO YOUR GOURDS COME FROM? HOW TO PLAY SEKERE
WHOLESALE SEKERES EBAY SEKERES WHO MAKES UP SEKERE.COM? SEKERE.COM'S GOAL
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1. How much do your sekeres cost?
Answer:
A very common question with no easy answer. The cost of a sekere depends on the size of the gourd and from which farm it was acquired. Certain gourds with custom characteristics can be VERY expensive (see price chart below). Gourd farms that do NOT provide special services to customers will sell gourds for less.
Certain types of beads and other materials used to make the “skirt” - plastic, glass, cowry shells, wood, metal - will determine the price. The beading style - instrument can be heavily or sparsely beaded - will be a factor. Prices start at $10 for a small and simple instrument. They can go as high as $350+ for a large instrument with elaborate design and luxury materials like "Preciosa" or "Swarovski" cut crystal, or "Chinese Lamp Beads". Some of these start at $2 per bead. Photos are provided to help customers create their own sekere(s) and give approximate prices.
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Gourd Prices: |
NOT ALL GOURD FARMS ARE THIS EXPENSIVE. SEKERE.COM ORDERS GOURDS FROM THIS CALIFORNIA FARM BY SPECIAL REQUEST ONLY
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2. How do I order a sekere?
Answer:
If you see an instrument you like on this site after browsing the photos, email SEKERE.COM to see if that sekere is available, and if not, are the materials available to make it for you. When a decision on the design and the price of the instrument is reached, email SEKERE.COM with your zip code and/or postal code and I will email you the grand total, which includes shipping. You may pay by money order, check, or PayPal.
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Things you will need to let us know: |
Which sekere you have taken a liking to
What colors you would like
What material(s) you would like
What size gourd you would like
Which finish you would like (oil/wax, polyurethane - shiny or semi-shine, or NO finish)
Of course, your zip code or postal code
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3. Do you send sekeres to foreign countries?
Answer:
Yes. I seek the most reasonably priced carrier possible for international buyers. International buyers are responsible for all their country's customs issues.
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4. If I need my gourd to be a special size and a particular sound, will you be able to get the exact one to make my sekere?
Answer:
Keep in mind that SEKERE.COM does not create gourds, Mother Nature does. However, she creates a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so we MIGHT be able to help you. If what you want is not available, we will inform you.
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5. Where do your gourds come from?
Answer:
All gourds come mostly from the sunny regions of the United States - Texas, California, southern states - or other regions that experience long summers. Some gourds are hardy and can tolerate shorter ripening times. SEKERE.COM sticks with favorite farms. If those favorites have had an unsuccessful growing season, we simply do not order gourds that year. We might cautiously try a new farm from time to time. That has proven disastrous in the past. Finding good gourds is a tricky business.
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6. Can you suggest a book , tapes or a website that teaches sekere playing?
Answer:
Although there is nothing like a live teacher, I can link you to the VOICES OF AFRICA website and their "INSTRUMENTS" web page that has written instructions. Written instructions also at Beverly Botsford's website. Lots of interesting information there too. Michael Pluznick has a sekere demo on YouTube. Michael is an excellent instructor and teaches a detailed beginner's level on his DVD entitled, "How To Play Sekere". His last known residence was not in the USA, but you can Buy his DVDs HERE.
If you would like a live teacher, I can suggest several. Most of them are in or near the Pennsylvania area, but will travel. There are none better than Pablo Batista, although he seems to focus on drums; one of my teachers, Omomola Iyabunmi of The WOMEN’S SEKERE ENSEMBLE; another of my teachers, Ahmondylla Best; Apetebii Yeye Olori Oriyomi is best known as "Mama Yeye". She is my first sekere teacher - for making and playing - she is still a strong and respected inspiration.
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7. I have a store and would like to sell your sekeres. Can you give me a good deal on a bunch of them?
Answer:
I have tried this and decided that it did not pay to pursue the possibility further. Stores want hefty profits and SEKERE.COM would have to sell instruments at a serious loss to make that happen. Very sorry, no can do. Also, I do NOT operate from a store. Home is my workshop.
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8. Do you sell sekeres on eBay?
Answer:
I do now. It was a lot of work, but I finally worked it out. Sekeres sold on eBay will be in an eBay section on this website and will have a link.
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9. Who actually makes the sekeres?
Answer:
I, Sara (Fabunmi), am the sekere maker. I also maintain the website (such as it is. Positive, constructive, easy suggestions appreciated).
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10. What is SEKERE.COM’s goal?
Answer:
I think the sekere is a remarkable instrument for many reasons. I am proud that it is a product of my African ancestors’ prolific creativity and musical genius. I enjoy sharing the sekere’s rich musical diversity. Classes, performances and presentations have been met with much joy and enthusiasm. There is nothing like putting a sekere in the hands of someone who will experience it for the first time, to watch them blossom and become excited and eager for more. SEKERE.COM’s goal is simply to have fun and make others happy with their experiences.
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