In Yangpu, there is a group of energetic "drummer" aunts dressed in special costumes. They often appear in the performances of major events in the street community, and the drums are enthusiastic and infectious, and they are deeply loved by the residents.
What is unexpected is that the aunts are actually a group of "anti-cancer people". The instrument in their hands is called djembe, from West Africa, translated as "Jinbei Drum", commonly known as African drum, which can play a unique playing advantage under different musical melodies, and has now spread to all parts of the world. The sonorous and powerful drumming reflects the aunts' love of life and the struggle against the disease.
"This drum is directly hit with the palm of the hand, which can stimulate the acupuncture points in the palm of the hand, play a role in dredging the meridians, regulating the body and mind, and is also good for everyone's body." On the afternoon of November 4, at the Third Good Neighbor Center on Dinghai Road Street, the "Elken African Drum Band" was conducting daily rehearsals in an orderly manner.
Aunt Zhou Jianzhong is the promoter of the band and has been battling cancer for 17 years. In March 2020, Zhou Jianzhong and several ill sisters formed a band, using the thick drum sound to release the pressure of life and reflect the tension of life. Today, there are 20 members of the team, the oldest of whom is 76 years old and the youngest is 59 years old. Everyone is almost "zero foundation", through rehearsal and run-in, they have become skilled and skilled. For example, to play a thick bass, you need to focus on the entire palm, pay attention to the technique and hand shape when hitting, and cooperate with a long period of practice to complete.
Zhou Jianzhong said that when he was first diagnosed with cancer, he almost collapsed and was depressed for a long time. But the encouragement of the doctor and the people around her allowed her to come out of the shadow of the disease. Therefore, she hopes to share her confidence in life with more patients. "Our band can bring everyone together, not only practice drumming, but also communicate the condition, encourage each other, and enhance the confidence of treatment for a long time."
Aunt Zhu is the youngest member of the band, but the illness time is the earliest. Talking about the anti-cancer story, Aunt Zhu's eye sockets are a little moist. "When I was 40 years old, I was diagnosed with cancer, when my lover also unfortunately died of illness, the child was young, and the balance of life suddenly collapsed. After joining the band, there are more activities, more friends, my life is regular, and some pressure has been released..." Now, Aunt Zhu not only practices drumming, but also often communicates with her sisters about cooking, and the smile on her face has increased.
Not only Aunt Zhu, but everyone in the team is bravely fighting cancer. In the face of illness, they laughed at life, built up confidence in fighting cancer, composed songs of life with drums, and demonstrated their strong spiritual strength to countless citizens.
Text/Image: Wen Xiting
Editor: Wu Baixin