Founded at Ongoma and now trading as Drum Café Namibia, drummed their ways into our hearts this year and saw many a Namibian joining in the rhythm and the beat at their weekly public drumming circles held at Joes Beer House every Wednesday. Irmi Röder, one of the founding members and the administrators of Drum Café Namibia shares here her learnings and lessons from the past year, her self examination from Africa… her Afrospection.
Looking Back…
Q: How would you describe your 2017?
A: It was a challenging year, but perseverance wins!
Q: What was something good that came out of 2017?
A: Growth, success and more growth.
Q: What challenged you in 2017 and how did you overcome this challenge?
A: In the 2nd year of having started a new business the current climate of recession in Namibia was a big challenge. I had ups and downs, but just tried to stick to my guns and continue with what I’m doing. As long as you believe in yourself, you can overcome almost anything.
Q: What was your favourite Art in 2017?
A: I visited a trance music festival in Mozambique, the Mozamboogy 2017. The fire performers and the decor displayed at the festival blew my mind. As did the general awesomeness of people in this creative industry.
Q: What was your biggest health and wellness learning of 2017?
A: Yoga and meditation. Don’t skip. Ever. If you do, make a concerted effort to get back to your routine. Nothing grounds me quite like a good yoga class. I am still in the process of developing the same healthy routine with regards to meditation. Currently I use it as a quick fix whenever I feel “not lekker”. The positive effect is immediate.
Q: What was your biggest personal development learning of 2017?
A: WCC: Wisdom, Courage and Compassion. The qualities of the Buddha. They say compassion is the mother of wisdom. The moment you are compassionate and try to see things from other people’s perspective, you gain so much wisdom… Which in turn gives you courage.
As for the Holidays…
Q: What is your favourite food in December?
A: Smoothies! Lots of fresh fruit and dairy-free.
Q: What is your favourite Namibian destination?
A: Caprivi. Damaraland. Spitzkoppe. Namibgrens. I love it all, we live in a beautiful country!
Q: What book should we all be reading?
A: The Buddha Geoff and Me, by Edward Canfor-Dumas. You can also get it as an audio download. It kinda changed my life!
Q: Where do you find your inspiration?
A: At the bottom of my wine glass. Just kidding. By doing what I love and loving what I do.
Looking Forward…
Q: What is your mantra for life?
A: Ohm. Apprecialove.
Q: What is your wish for the world for 2018?
A: World peace. Please let’s just all chill the f… out!
Q: What is your wish for Namibia for 2018?
A: Poverty eradication.
Q: What is your wellness goal for 2018?
A: Start mountain climbing again. Do Acro yoga. Change. Focus not on fighting the old but building the new.