My Dads greatest advice to me - "Close your eyes and listen to the drums"

 "Close your eyes and listen to the drums. Listen to the drumbeat."

My father was truly a music lover, and I have been fortunate to hear stories from many of his friends about his passion for music. In his early years, he even sang in a band, a testament to his deep connection with melodies and rhythms.

Growing up, our home was always filled with the iconic sounds of bands like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Doors and Rolling Stones. I have vivid memories of those songs blasting from our extra-large loudspeakers out on the veranda, creating an atmosphere of pure musical bliss. In our BMW, he would play Queen at full volume, and as we zoomed at 180 km/h from Tzaneen to Polokwane, the music seemed to elevate us to another world.

Among the many cherished memories I hold of my father, one stands out above all the rest. It was a day back in 1991 when he was home, lying on the couch, engrossed in music videos playing on the TV. Curiously, I asked him if he was sleeping while watching the TV, to which he gently replied that he had closed his eyes to listen to the music better. He explained that closing one's eyes allows the music to be fully experienced, as the visuals on TV might distract from the music's essence. Little did I know then that those simple words of wisdom would leave a profound impact on my life.

"Close your eyes and listen to the drums," he told me. Perhaps he was just trying to get me to keep my mouth shut, being the blabbering little 10-year-old I was. But those words stayed with me and became a core memory, shaping my entire perspective on music and the world.

From that moment on, I developed a profound appreciation for music, paying attention to the nuances of each beat and rhythm. It's as if the drums have become the heartbeat of my existence, guiding me through life's highs and lows. Music, for me, is not just about the sounds; it's a journey into emotions and a way to connect with oneself and others.

As I write about my father and his impact on my life, this memory remains an anchor that keeps his spirit alive within me. His words, "Listen to the drumbeat," continue to resonate, reminding me to cherish every note and rhythm that life has to offer.