(Sorry for the inconvenience, but we are no longer providing direct links to our email box(es). You can still email us at: sekerecontact@yahoo.com)
Bembe Obatala held on July 26! More Information Here
SEE WHAT'S NEW ABOUT OUR SEKERES SEKERE WORKSHOPS
BIOGRAPHIES
SHARE LINKS WITH US
WEBRINGS
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| LEARN TO PLAY |
WE HELP YOU DESIGN YOUR
OWN NATURAL GOURD SEKERE (SHEY-kah-REH) HAND DRUM
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Thanks for visiting Sekere.com - the cyber-market for custom-designed natural gourd sekeres. We have been making and selling beautiful sekeres in Pennsylvania since 1993 and now we are expanding and inviting the world to take advantage of the opportunity to have fun with these instruments.
Do not be confused by our spelling. Depending on where you're from - America, Cuba, Africa, Brazil, Hawaii, or the UK - the spelling and the sound of the word changes. Some even refer to it as a calabash whether it has beads on it or not. So, feel free to use shekere, chekere, xequere, sekere, axatse - they're all correct, they just might look and play a little differently.
Our sekeres are truly custom designed by you. To ensure that you receive an instrument that is comfortable to play, attractive and well crafted, we pay strict attention to all your requests and ideas. Because we also play the instrument, we are able to work with you assisting with your customization when necessary. ONLY when necessary!
SEE WHAT'S NEW ON OUR PICTURES PAGE
At Sekere.com, custom-made does not mean more expensive. It costs us no more in time or money to produce an original, custom design than it does to offer ready-made sekeres. Of course there are many factors we use when pricing the instruments, but one of the ways prices are determined is by the size and quality of the gourds, the materials used, and the amount of materials used to create the beaded "skirt". Our prices range from $10 to $350 for the instruments. The same pricing factors govern the miniature sekeres and their prices are between $15 and $50.
Our gourds come from American gourd farms coast to coast. Different farms produce different gourd characteristics. You will be made aware of the differences in size, weight, tone, etc., when choosing a gourd to meet your individual needs.
Ready-made sekeres are available to those who do not feel comfortable making design decisions. We plan and ponder the ready-made designs as thoroughly as the custom-made ones.
First, please take a moment to read through our website where you will find detailed information regarding ordering instructions and policies, and miscellaneous facts and suggestions. Look in on our photo gallery of sekeres to examine our workmanship, to check out design possibilities, and to see what's for sale.
Sekere.com plans on being around for awhile, so your satisfaction is important to us. It is our aim to do everything we can to ensure that you develop a rewarding relationship with your new sekere.
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WE OFFER WORKSHOPS TO HELP YOU LEARN TO MAKE YOUR OWN SEKERE FOR FUN OR PROFIT
Have you ever wanted to own one of the beautiful sekeres you've seen on stage in African and Latin or even Rock & Roll music performances? Do you have friends who express the same desire? If you could learn to make sekeres, you could give them as gifts. Maybe even learn to play the sekere yourself. Best of all, you might be able to make and sell them. Of course, you wouldn't know where or how to start such a project yourself. So, you keep your eyes and ears open waiting for a class or workshop. Frankly, they are few and far between.
Sekere.com
to the rescue! Let me answer the first question that seems to be on everyone's mind. No, sekeres are not difficult to make. Also, everyone I know who has ever gotten one as a gift, absolutely loved it (even though they may not have known what to do with it). We have taught many people who have gone on to develop a rewarding hobby making and selling these instruments. Sekere.com makes it affordable for your group to learn this engaging craft. We will teach anywhere in the United States for groups of 20 participants or more. We'll teach anywhere in the world if an interpreter is provided. We teach at schools, universities, nursing homes, recreation centers, museums, art galleries and churches. We teach at special cultural events, parties and conferences. We provide materials that you get to keep. After we teach you to make it, we give an introductory playing lesson as well.
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Marcella Dedra Sara******
Marcella
, Marcy (read more about her) begins the workshop with a meditation conducive to creativity, and focusing on the oneness that guides the creative spirit in us all. She leads us through affirmations to strengthen our confidence in our abilities and to bring about positive, collective goals. The students will enjoy simple vocal exercises in preparation for learning traditional African and inspirational songs that will accompany the sekere rhythms taught by Marcella.Dedra
, Ayda Suka (read more about her) will get you warmed up and ready for the first half of the workshop with light yoga stretching. The basic yoga positions are chosen for those who are not currently engaged in an exercise regimen. Therefore, beginners and "jocks" alike will find this an enjoyable experience. Students are encouraged, but not forced, to participate.Sara
, Fabunmi will lead the sekere making portion of the workshop assisted by Marcella and Dedra. Participants will pick out the gourd and beads that suit them. Gourd and bead characteristics will be discussed as well as design styles. The gourds will be prepared for beading and then the fun begins.During the workshop's midway break, Dedra will offer a slightly more intense basic yoga workout. This workout will still be non-threatening, introductory stretches for beginners with no forced participation.
To relieve any muscle or joint stiffness or cramping, Marcella will give a mini body or spot massage to individuals who request one during the workshop or to each student at the end of the workshop day.
The client organizing the workshop is responsible for Sekere.com transportation, rooming, and compensation (we charge for actual work time only). Workshop hours are usually 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a half hour lunch break. Depending on the number of students, it may be necessary to offer a two-day workshop.
Whether you are a past student of
Sekere.com or not, and you are presently working on a sekere and have questions, feel free to ask questions. We will be happy to assist you.If your group is interested in running a workshop with us, contact us (sekerecontact@yahoo.com) to make arrangements.
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Marcella
Marcella takes an holistic view and
always seeks to connect the mind, body and spirit in her work whether playing
her bass guitar, singing rock or African music, playing sekere or through giving
a massage. In her work with people of all ages, she fosters respect and love for
one another. Marcy says, “I studied with people from the old, old school. I
learned to just keep it basic and simple and the Spirit will come out.”
She is proud to have been taught by many noted musicians and singers like Omomola Iyabunmi of The Women's Sekere Ensemble, Baba Ishangi, Alphonzo Cary, Leonard Hubbard, Gerald Veasley, Sandy Day, John Allen, Bob Leslie, Riccardo Martin. She has received outstanding awards for entertainment from the US government for the Mediterranean tour, the European tour, and the Caribbean tour.
Resident Artist for the Arts After School program in churches through the Arts and Spirituality Center and the C. A. House on the University of Penn campus; teacher of the Sekere - African Sacred Hand Drum; vocalist with The Madonna Mamas, a feminist trio a capella group; healing workshop in Jamaica three times annually; founder and leader of Sisters of Compassion; bassist, Vocalist and Sekere Player and leader of The Coup, a ten - piece band performing a variety of swing, smooth jazz, "oldies but goodies", hip-hop and rock; vocal coach for Women’s Sekere Ensemble, an African percussion group; vocalist for Johnny O and the Classic Dogs of Love; leader and Founder, Bassist and Vocalist for Better Days, an all-girls band representing the USA in USO show and Army of Defense; featured rap singer with the Cutaways, People of the Future; gospel soloist on Tapping the Power Within, CD by Iyanla Vanzant. SEE MORE. Attention: Mama Marcy is searching for female musicians.
More Info HereGo back to WORKSHOP SCHEDULE AND BIOGRAPHIES
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Dedra
Dedra (Ayda Suka) feels privileged to have been taught and
apprenticed under the tutelage of Joan White for 2 years of Iyengar Yoga. She
also has knowledge and experience with Bikram's and Kemetic (Ancient Egyptian) Yoga. Dedra, an ordained
minister with the M'Backe House of Hope, became interested in yoga
in 1983 and began to pursue it passionately over the next decade. In the year
2000, she went into training to become an instructor. As a result, she has
worked as a personal trainer in basic yoga, and has also led yoga classes at
retreats and workshops. She has recently become a certified yoga instructor. Her new yoga organizations, Ayda's Flow N Yoga
and Live N Yoga,
have been running yoga classes and workshops for 4 years in Philadelphia and
Delaware.
Her work as a spiritual counselor with the African Rites of Passage and her ministry with the M'Backe House of Hope, both non-profit community service organizations, have led her to a rewarding life of bringing healing, spiritual growth, empowerment and a sense of pride and well being to children and adults.
Dedra is the Founder and President of Locks for Life, a self-help organization which helps individuals rebuild positive conscientiousness in their quest for spiritual evolution. This is presented through workshops, retreats and seminars.
In 1997, she joined Touch Heaven on Earth, an organization which focuses on the spiritual aspects of working with the sekere.
Go back to WORKSHOP SCHEDULE AND BIOGRAPHIES
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Sara 'Fabunmi
Sara has worked with Egbé Ekú Ějó since 1992 becoming its director
in 1994. Egbé Ekú Ějó is 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.
Fabunmi's Personal Note:
I am proud to announce the release of the debut CD/album, "Abre a Janela" ("Opens the Window" in Brazilian Portuguese) by ALÔ BRASIL. Being a part of this project is one of the most fun and fulfilling things I have ever done. I recommend this beautiful CD to all my visitors. Next time you're in Philly, check to see if you can catch them performing. To buy the CD now Click Here.
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 our 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, do we have the materials 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 we 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. We 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 we do not have what you want and cannot find it, we will inform you.
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5. Where do your gourds come from?
Answer:
Our 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 our favorite farms. If our 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 "INSTRUMENTS" website that has written instructions. Written instructions also at Beverly Botsford's website. Lots of interesting information there too. We are offering a video and a DVD entitled "How To Play Shekere" by Michael Pluznick on this website. Michael is an excellent instructor and teaches a detailed beginner level. You may also try Jim Greiner's DVD.
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; Marcy Francis (who has a page on this website); another of my teachers, Ahmondylla Best; Apetebii Yeye Olori Oriyomi is best known as "Mama Yeye". See Invite for Bembe Obatala. 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:
We 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.
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8. Do you sell sekeres on eBay?
Answer:
We do now. It was a lot of work, but we 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. I’ve noticed that there are at least three people that make up SEKERE.COM. Do all of you make the sekeres?
Answer:
I, Sara (Fabunmi), am the main sekere maker. I also maintain the website (such as it is). When we facilitate sekere making workshops, we all have a part to play in the process. Marcy (Marcella) see her page, is the strongest sekere teacher and performer. Ayda Suka is a sekere assistant to Marcy and me. She has the added responsibility of keeping us and all the workshop participants motivated, focused and limber with some easy yoga, see more about her.
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10. What is SEKERE.COM’s goal?
Answer:
Marcy, Ayda Suka and I think the sekere is a remarkable instrument for many reasons. We are proud that it is a product of our African ancestors’ prolific creativity and musical genius. We enjoy sharing the sekere’s rich musical diversity. Our 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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