Maria Jarita Freydank, Bongo

Jarita plays bongo, a percussion instrument originating from Afro-Cuban music. In this interview she speaks about herself, her music and her thoughts on ONE WORLD. A number of short audio examples of how Jarita plays her instrument are available at the right. You can also download these and use them as samples for composing a song for the song contest. If you have used a sample from the website for your song then you must state this when submitting your entry.

Important: You may only use the samples exclusively for songs with which you participate in the Song Contest "Dein Song für EINE WELT!" (Your song for ONE WORLD). If your song meets the entry criteria, it will be published on our website, on Soundcloud and also on YouTube if you submit a video. If you wish to continue using your song containing these samples, it is important that you always cite the name of the artist who provided the sample used. If for example you use the sample “Bongo 70bpm A” by Maria Jarita Freydank, please write “Using the sample “Bongo 70bpm A” by Maria Jarita Freydank”.

Can you tell us something about your musical career?
Music has been in my life since I was a baby – my mother is an artist and my father is a dancer and drummer. He also gave me my first djembe. I have always sung and have taught myself how to sing. I received my first classical music training at the age of 11. I initially learnt to play guitar and then began playing the piano at the age of 13. At 17 I began taking drum and percussion lessons. I began studying musical education at the IFM Osnabrück (majoring in drums/percussion and singing) in 2007. I have been a background singer and percussionist for Judith Holofernes since 2013. I also drum for Astrid North and work a great deal with other national and international musicians, both live and in the studio. I founded the FEM JAM COLLECTIVE in January 2018. I released my first, self-produced debut EP in October 2018– JARITA & THE AFROBEATMOVEMENT –Live at Planet Earth. In 2018, I was also a member of the jury for “Treffen junge Musik-Szene” (Meeting of the young music scene) at Berliner Festspiele.

What do you think about/how are you involved with the topics of “sustainable development” and “ONE WORLD”?
I teach mainly children and young adults and as a female drummer and coloured person I have the chance to take a stand against sexism and racism. My career as a drummer is still not fully accepted and some people still find it hard to accept that someone with my skin colour can be a teacher. Classroom lessons are about more than just playing music, the educational aspect also plays a large part. They are about self-confidence and, in group lessons, especially about acknowledging each other, listening to each other and respecting each other. The same way that we should treat each other in everyday life.

Do you feel that music can change the world? If yes, how?
Music has always changed the world. It is a natural part of being human. Unfortunately, there is too much music made only for commercial purposes but the increasing availability of technical possibilities offers a chance to return to the roots of music. Music has healing qualities. This makes it so fascinating. Everyone should use their voice and sing. This is not about the illusory superstar image but rather about expressing yourself in a totally natural way.

Videoporträt: Maria Jarita Freydank


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Bongo 70bpm A
Bongo 70bpm B
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Bongo 90bpm A
Bongo 90bpm B
Bongo 90bpm C
Bongo 124bpm A
Bongo 124bpm B
Bongo 124bpm C
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