The Young Warriors Tassa Troupe was formed in December 2009 and operates out of Lot 594 Good Hope, Phase One, East Coast Demerara. The group is led by a dynamic young man, referred to as “Bryan” and consists of Raj, Suraj, Ryan and Cristan.
The group was formed following a liking for the music by the leader of the group who had a chance to play the tassa drum at the age of 10. From that day forward, it has been his dream to establish his own tass drumming group. Since its formation, there have been some challenges but with persistence and a brotherly bond, the group managed to cross those hurdles.
Time and again, the group would be contracted to play at weddings, birthdays, stage shows and mandirs for special occasions. Tassa is an art form that entails a mixture of sounds and drums.
Tassa is referred to as the instrument that is hung from the neck and played using two pieces of specially selected sticks called chope. It is usually used in accompaniment with a large base drum (dhol) and brass cymbals (jhanj).
On the other hand, the dhol is a double-sided barrel drum played mostly as an accompanying instrument in regional music forms. The stretched skin on one of the ends is thicker and produces a deep, low frequency (higher bass) sound and the other thinner one produces a higher frequency sound.
And finally, the jhanj is a percussion instrument consisting of a circular flat or concave metal plate that is struck with a drumstick or is used in pairs struck together. Traditionally, the best cymbals came from turkeys.
Presently, there are several young people who are being trained to play the tassa which will definitely build the composition of the group. The present members of the group are meaningfully employed and find the time to practice on their days off.
The leader, Bryan, recalled that their most memorable time playing as a group was the first time they entertained invitees at a wedding in 2009. To him, it was magical after seeing the response from the guests who were enjoying the music and the festivities.
The group will continue to shine and entertain.
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Pic saved as Tassa
