Ottawa International Drumming Festival (OIDF)

One universe, One people, One beat please.

"Rhythm is the soul of life. The whole universe revolves in rhythm. Everything and every human action revolves in rhythm." 
- Babatunde Olatunji

We are a diverse group of volunteers who bring drummers, dancers and any interested people together from the community to dance to the live drum as a means of expressing our gratitude to our magnificent country Canada and to our planet Mother Earth for the gifts we are so generously and freely given, and to encourage a sense of commitment to support the Earth.

Founded on August 21,2010 our event attracts hundreds of participants and provides a family-friendly environment and pleasant experience for many people in our community including tourists.

While there is no charge to attend our festival, we raise awareness for our project which is the construction of a school  in Liberia, West Africa and let people know that they can send donations to St. John Lutheran Church to help.  Donations can be sent to: Galai School Project, St. John Lutheran Church 270 Crichton Street, Ottawa, Ont.  K1M 1W4.  613-749-6953, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can also visit the website at;   www.stjohnlutheran.ca   

This year OIDF has partnered with Fountains of Light Foundation a registered Not-For-Profit organization in Zambia which raises funds for a community school for disadvantaged children in that country. 

Today, the drum can very simply connect all people to our beginnings on Earth.  It is a wonderful and easy way to share and to connect all cultures and backgrounds and have fun too!  According to the father of African drumming, the late Babatunde Olatunji, said  "The spirit of the drum is something that you feel but cannot put your hands on, It does something to you from the inside out . . .
It hits people in so many different ways. But the feeling is one that is satisfying and joyful. It is a feeling that makes you say to yourself, ' I'm glad to be alive today! I'm glad to be part of this world!"

May the Spirit of Drum be with you.

Jesse Matthews, Founder and Drummer.