ABOUT BORTIER OKOE

Hello everyone. I would like to share with you some information about my life and of how being a musician has influenced me, enabled me to travel, and allows me to also share my culture and affect other peoples lives. Being a drummer is such a big part of who I am. Drumming is not just hitting a drum and making rhythmical noise. Drumming has many, many deep meanings. It is so powerful. The drum can heal you, lift your spirits, tell you messages, keep you physically and mentally fit and make you happy.

I am a master drummer, skilled dancer, an experienced and well respected performer. I was born in Nungua, Ghana, into a family of musicians and dancers. From birth I was exposed to the rich culture of Ghanaian drumming, dancing and song. By the time I was 10 years old, I was drumming and dancing in my family’s ensemble “Numo’baatsor“, and travelling throughout the county, sharing music and sending messages to the people. By 16, after 1000’s of hours of practice, I earned a reputation throughout Ghana as an excellent drummer and a skilled dancer. The following year I was promoted to the position of Master Drummer, a highly esteemed and well respected position.

John, Erin and Bortier listening to some beats in Nungua

I was constantly invited to join many reputable ensemble groups, including, Salaka, Suade, Adguenpa, Kente, Waasa, and of course the All Stars. One of my most satisfying and rewarding moments was performing with Ghana’s own internationally renowned, Pan African Orchestra & Ghana Dance Ensemble. In 2007, I was also chosen to lead the Salaka Ensemble celebratory performances at Ghana's 50th Anniversary of Independence, performing for President Kufuor.

 In 2009, my life changed dramatically. I left my home country to embark on a great adventure and migrated to Adelaide, Australia. Since arriving I have had many opportunities to tour throughout the country and have visited some wonderful places and met some wonderful people, presenting workshops and conducting drumming retreats. I am very proud to be able to share my culture and bring happiness into peoples lives. I have worked with 100’s of community groups, schools, businesses and artistic projects regularly and extensively in the corporate sector. I spend much of my time presenting the African Drum to use for team building and for motivating companies & businesses. I am a regular accompanist for contemporary dance classes to Adelaide dance schools including ACArts, Leigh Warren & Dancers, and the Australia Dance Theatre. Every now and then I also perform with the Ticklish Allsorts children’s theatre troupe, and occasionally facilitate workshops for Splash Theatre Company.

My biggest dream is to share Ghanaian culture all over the world.  By bringing students and members of the community to Ghana on drumming and dancing tours. I invite you all to experience the culture of my home country. Coming to Ghana to drum and dance is so much more than that. Coming to Ghana will change your life. It is an experience that is very special and one that you will never forget. So be prepared for something completely different, challenging, aweinspiring and humbling. You will absolutely love Ghana, its people, the music, its culture and the simplicity of life.

I will nurture you and help you to develop your drumming and dancing skills under the guidance and tutorage of myself and other carefully selected drum and dance masters from The Telema Ensemble in Ghana. Most importantly, I want you all to know that I am very passionate about the profound history and importance the drum, the messages that it sends and the ability it has to change and enrich people’s lives. If you come to Ghana, you will understand what I mean.