A REMOTE Angus community is to open its doors next month to welcome the first Scottish African drumming and arts festival.

Glenisla will be the base for a drum village, an event previously hosted throughout England and Ireland, from August 4-9.

Angus-based drumming group Afrodisiac is hosting this year’s festival, which is expected to attract music lovers from throughout the UK.

“We used to have a one-day annual event called Drum Spirit in Kirriemuir but, owing to the popularity of African drumming, song, dance and other music forms, we felt it time the drum village came to Scotland,” Afrodisiac’s Steve Hayden said yesterday.

The drum village was the brainchild of African Mussa Suma, who arrived in the UK in the mid 1970s.

He died of cancer before the first drum village came to fruition, spearheaded by an organisation which helps and supports African artists find employment through their music. This, in turn, enables them to send money to support their families back in Africa.

“I have lived in Senegal with the families of these drummers and witnessed the difference it makes,” added Steve.

Several workshops will run each day, with teachers sharing their different cultures, songs and music.

Steve said the informal atmosphere allows people to mix with some of the greatest exponents of African music.

Teachers at the festival include Magatte Dieng, of Senegal, drummer for Yousou N’dour, and Chartwell Dutiro, from Zimbabwe, who has performed on many TV documentaries and now lectures on African culture in London.

As well as music, Fair Trade stalls will be set up and African and Caribbean food will be on offer.