SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Syracuse resident David “Este” Nyadedzor is on a mission to foster cultural connections within the community through the vibrant rhythms of West African drumming.
For Nyadedzor, drumming isn’t just a hobby—it’s a family tradition. Growing up in Ghana, his great-grandfather was a master drummer, and David was surrounded by music and dance from an early age.
“My great-grandfather was a master drummer, my entire family is into traditional drumming and dancing. So, I picked on it because I didn’t have the privilege of the game boys and Nintendo and P whatever you call them. I didn’t have that privilege back home.” Nyadedzor said.
Nyadedzor’s journey to Syracuse began in 1989, when he immigrated from Ghana to the United States. After settling in the city, he quickly found a way to connect with others through music. He joined Akuma Roots, a Ghanaian and American band, and continued to share his musical talents with the community.
Through his drumming, Nyadedzor has introduced many Syracuse residents to the rich cultural history of West African music, which dates back to the 12th century.
For him, drumming is more than just a skill—it’s a way to honor his ancestors and share a part of his heritage with the world.
“It has been my dream to take it far, far from home, where it’s new to the people,” he says. “I feel like I’m fulfilling my dream because this is what I inherited from my ancestors.”
Through his drumming classes and performances, Nyadedzor has made a lasting impact on the Syracuse community, building cultural bridges and offering others the opportunity to experience a piece of Ghanaian tradition.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Bringing the beat of West Africa to Syracuse: David “Este” shares heritage through drumming
Della Piana: David “Este” Nyadedzor seems like your average drum-loving, SU fan that loves to share his talent with others. A passion that he’s had from a young age.
Nyadedzor: My great-grandfather was a master drummer, my entire family is into traditional drumming and dancing. So I picked on it because I didn’t have the privilege of the game boys and nintendo and p whatever you call them I didn’t have that privilege back home.
Della Piana: David arrived in Syracuse in 1989 after immigrating from Ghana in West Africa. He quickly settled in and joined a Ghanaian and American band Akuma Roots.
Della Piana: West African drumming dates back to the 12th century, but I’ll leave it to the master drummer to do the trick.
Della Piana: Every Thursday, David hosts the West African drumming class at the Community Folk Art Center in syracuse. Ralph Minnifield is a regular at the practice and couldn’t praise David’s teaching’s enough.
Minnifield: Great, unbelievable. he takes time with us individually. you know, teach us the movements and stuff and then we get together with the group. I’ve been working with Este now for a couple years drumming and I’ve known him for about at least 15 years.
Della Piana: A lifelong dedication to a craft that David wants to share around with the world.
Nyadedzor: It has been my dream to take it far, far from home where it’s new to the people so that’s I feel like I’m fulfilling my dream because this is what I inherited from my ancestors.”
Della Piana: Reporting in Syracuse, Andrew Della Piana, NCC News.