Djembes on the Beach

My third night here we have a fish barbecue on the beach, known as a grillade. The other volunteers came: Mikaela, Monica, Sophie and Julia #1, and a bunch of Senegalese guys; Amadou, Moussa, Dominic and some others who played the djembe ALL night long . Magueye cooked up all dhellfish, all stuff that I normally wouldnt eat. In the dark though, I just accepted anything and shoved it into my mouth before I could see what it looked like the firelight. Good thing- I realize halfway through that I am eating sea urchin - tastes like sandy meat .I sit next to Amadou's brother, El Hadj,with really long dreads and an awesome accent when he speaks English. He lived in Amsterdam for years, playing djembe and giving lessons.
Next we have les moules, grilled over the fire and smothered in lime juice, so good! The guys banged on their djembes and Mikaela joined in - she's actually quite good and has rhythm. Amadou leads a circle between Sophie, Julia, Mik and I and I get the hang of it ! Kind of... But then they change the rhythm and I am lost completely. Moussa tries to teach me a bit on the djembe but I'm hopeless. Poor white girl aint got no rhythm. These Africans have got it in their blood!
When the guys play the djembe, Amadou leading the circle, their faces light up with so much emotion, especially Amadou's face - he shook his hair and banged so hard on his drum, as if he was closer to God or something . I've never seen emotion like that when someone is playing music. Julia, Mikala and I dance around the fire, singing to the music and shouting "Olé Olé Olé Olé" In the circle, this African woman jumps in and moves like I've never seen before , with her arms flailing and butt shaking . We dance in the sand, jumping up and down like crazy.
Later that night, I talk with El Hadji and he tells me about his infinite love for Cheikh Amadou Bamba, the marabout and "Gandhiji" of Senegal.