Introducing: Member Showcase

The Member Showcase

Welcome to the Member Showcase, where we showcase original compositions submitted by our ESSENTIAL and UNLIMITED members! The only guideline is that the composition be inspired by African or Afro-Caribbean rhythms – how you interpret this is completely up to you.

To give you some ideas about the kind of compositions / songs we’re envisioning members creating and sharing, review three of my own original compositions below.

“Loneliest Man”

(by Will Matthews)

This song started with a minor chord progression I came up with on my marimba. I then began adding hand drums (Afro-Blue 2-drum rhythm). It was during this creative process that I came across a story in the paper of a man in the Amazon rainforest of Brazil who was the last of his people, the rest having been killed by settlers. I was moved to tears as I imagined this man moving through his daily life, all alone. (He apparently spent his days hunting wild game, collecting fruits and honey, and planting maize and cassava).

In my song I try to capture some of the feelings that I imagine followed him throughout his day: anxiety, loneliness, grief, loss and wonder. According to the article, the body of the man was found resting in a hammock, adorned with macaw feathers. I imagine the Lonely Man lying on the hammock, that he had built for his own death, ruminating on his life, his community and his childhood. The last layer of sound I added was of kids playing, recorded at a playground down the street from my house.

Loneliest Man

“Ballard Bounce”

(by Will Matthews)

In this original creation I was trying to create something that would fit in a dance class or at club. I play/program the Rumba Guaguanco two-drum melody throughout.

Ballard Bounce

“Soli w/ Marimba”

(by Will Matthews)

In this song, I put together a basic presentation of the West African djembe song, Soli, with a sweet little break. I also have taken the liberty of adding an East African marimba melody (from the Shona culture of Zimbabwe).

Soli w/ Marimba

Submit your Member Showcase entry!

Interested in submitting one of your compositions? Each month we receive entries, we review them all and select a winning composition. We select winners based on rhythm choice, originality, composition style, solid hand technique, complexity and vibe. Winners will see their composition featured in their own Member Showcase article on the site and win a T-shirt of their choice from the online store! Maximum of two winning entries per year.

How to submit your entry

To submit your entry please include the following information via email:

Your name:
Where you are from:
A brief bio:
Song title:
Rhythm inspiration(s):
Recording tools used:
Brief description of your song (what inspired you to create it, etc.):
Brief explanation of your creative process:
A photo (either of you if you like or something that represents the spirit of your song. Minimum 400×400 pixels):
An attached .mp3 file of your song (please keep under 3 minutes):

Submit the above information in an email, using the email program of your choice, or use our Member Showcase Submission Popup Email Form.

Review an example Member Showcase article

Beyond the compositions above, we’ve created an example of what your Member Showcase article would look like if your submission is selected to be featured on the site. Visit Member Showcase: Will Matthews to check it out!

~ Roderick

Leave a comment below and message us with questions or suggestions!