SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — In many cases, the beat of a drum is the most notable part in any piece of music. But for Western African drumming performer David Nyadedzor, the beat of a drum is more than just music — it’s a unifying force.
“My grandpa always said, ‘In music there’s no enemy,’” Nyadedzor said. “Once it hit the drum, the drum starts to play, the community comes together. So even people that don’t get along, everyone is there to drum and dance and have fun.”
Music has been an integral part of Nyadedzor’s life since childhood. Influenced by the rich traditions of his Ghanaian heritage, he sees his work as carrying forward a legacy passed down through generations.
“I feel like I’m fulfilling my dream because this is what I inherited from my ancestors,” he said.
When Nyadedzor moved to Syracuse decades ago, he didn’t just bring his passion for music—he brought a dream. His goal was to share the vibrant traditions of his culture and music with the world, and today, he’s turning that vision into reality. One of the ways he’s been able to do this is through teaching African drumming to people of all ages, offering his students a chance to experience the rhythms of his homeland.
But his efforts to share his Ghanaian culture don’t stop in the classroom. Since 2002, Nyadedzor has been performing with his group, the Adanfo Ensemble. With their energetic performances, they are able to connect with their audiences and celebrate music together.
The group has fostered a sense of community and invites everyone to join in, creating a deeper understanding of how music can influence cultural connection, bridge divides and bring people together in celebration of shared traditions.
“I just love all of it. I love all of it. Teaching I love too. Performing, I love. It’s all part of me. As long as I get to do what I love to do.”
Through his classes, performances and the work of his ensemble, Nyadedzor proves that music is truly a universal language—one that brings people together and continues to unite and inspire communities.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: David Nyadedzor unites Syracuse community through West African drumming
Gabriela Peniston: When it comes to music, the beat of a drum is usually the most powerful in the room. But for David Nyadedzor, that power goes beyond just rhythm.
David “Etse” Nyadedzor: Etse from Ghana
Nyadedzor: My grandpa always said, in music there’s no enemy. Once it hit the drum, the drum starts to play, the community comes together. So even people that don’t get along. Everyone is there to drum and dance and have fun.
Peniston: Ever since he was young, he has been influenced by the music of his Western African Culture, and he can’t seem to remember a time when music wasn’t a part of his life.
Nyadedzor: I feel like I’m fulfilling my dream cause this is what I inherited from my ancestors.
Peniston: Nyadedzor was born in Ghana and moved to Syracuse over a few decades ago. And when he moved, he brought his passion for music with him. Now as he mentioned, music is able to bring the world together, and here in Syracuse, it’s no different.
Peniston: Now, he’s turning that dream into reality by teaching African drumming to people of all ages, giving the community a taste of the rhythms of his homeland. But he doesn’t stop there—since 2002, Nyadedzor has been performing with his group, the Adanfo Ensemble. They rehearse every Saturday, keeping the music alive, even when they don’t have a show on the schedule.
Nyadedzor: I just love all of it. I love all of it. Teaching I love too. Performing, I love. So it’s all, it’s all part of me. As long as I get to do what I love to do.
Peniston: Whether through classes, performances, or his own bands, he’s bringing the rhythms of Ghana to life right here in Syracuse. Reporting for NCC News, I’m Gabriela Peniston.