Kandu Kambale

YIT student Kandu Kambale (far right) finds comfort and motivation in traditional music with the acclaimed African drumming and dancing group Sangea.

Marching to his own beat

Everyone has comfort zones - some of us tuck into bed with a good book, and others feel most at peace during a walk in the park.

For NorQuest College Youth in Transition (YIT) student Kandu Kambale, 21, the place that brings a smile to his face is behind an African drum. He is a member of the newly acclaimed Sangea Drum and Dance Group.

“It makes me feel comfortable when I see how the people appreciate us and the African music,” says Kambale, who hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

On November 22, the group was presented with the Afro-Canadian Artist of the Year Award at the launch of Diversity Magazine, and also performed live on CityTv’s Breakfast Television on November 14.

But arguably more important than awards, Kambale’s drumming offers him an increased sense of self-confidence, something that has helped him with his transition to Canadian life and in his studies at NorQuest.

“People learn in different ways and I learn while listening to music,” he says. “Sometimes I can be practicing my beats when I’m working on my school work and it helps me concentrate. And NorQuest has helped me improve my understanding of Canada culture and with my vocabulary and grammar.”

Those skills will serve Kambale well, now and in the future. After completing YIT he plans on entering NorQuest’s Upgrading program. Following that he hopes to seek a career in policing.