Episode 26 | The Augustines
#humpdaygiveaway | Week 5 Q: What are the names of the two students that I spontaneously interview towards the end of the show?
Episode 26 has been in the works for a bit of time now. A couple of months ago I saw a video of Omari’s father, Cyril, playing drums, on his IG account. I understood from Episode 37 on DrummersILike’s podcast that Omari had watched his father, Cyril, play drums a lot during his childhood. It was clear in the tone of Omari’s voice on the podcast that he was truly inspired by his father and strongly looked up to him. I was inspired by that episode and I really enjoyed Omari’s personality on the show and I kinda decided that I needed him on DrumGAB after that.
But after seeing Cyril playing, the thought hit me like a wall, I HAD to have them both on the show together. So, literally within minutes of having this idea, I messaged Omari to ask whether or not we could have Cyril on the show as well.
Omari’s response to my request was unanimous. My wish had come true. A father and son podcast was going to happen on my show!! I had not ever seen something like this before on a drumming podcast before and that made it even more reason to do it.
The main goal with this podcast for me was to capture an honest reaction from both of them once we became more involved in the conversation. There was such a great opportunity to create some magic on this one.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT OMARI
Omari is a coveted drum instructor from Trinidad and Tobago. He has multiple endorsements including Promark Drumsticks, Evans Drum Heads, D’Addario, Serenity Drums, Tru Tuner, LowBoy Custom Beaters, Drumlite and Drumtacs. He is also a certified Drumeo Teacher, a drum tutor at Angelic Sounds Music Centre, a drum coach at CJ’s Coaching Institute, and he performs with many musicians including Curtis Jordan, GIEL, Helen Baylor, Koen Duncan, Shiselon, Tiko Angelos, and Wave. That is quite a pedigree!
Oh right, I almost forgot…..Omari is an absolute beast!! Best not forget to mention that.
A LITTLE BIT ABOUT CYRIL
Cyril is a self taught player and it was his Uncle, who also played, that introduced Cyril to the drums at age 11. Cyril’s Uncle showed him enough theory and different rhythms to begin a lifelong passion for drums. Cyril had played with many bands in the area and there was a time when Cyril was unable to attend a performance and so he recommended Omari to fill his spot for the night. The bands response the following week….? “Well Cyril, we didn’t miss you that much”, said Cyril’s bandmates.
For years, Omari and Cyril had never jammed together. Each of them worked at their craft without crossing paths musically. Until one day they performed a duet….at Omari’s wedding. Both gentlemen sporting their finest tux and both of them are shredding it up! To think their maiden jam would be at Omari’s wedding is very special indeed.
Overall, this is a heartwarming episode with lots of character and it highlights the beauty of family and people coming together to reach a common goal through music. It is a very inspiring episode to say the least.
Music featured on this episode
a) Learie Joseph standup / End credits, Eraserhead
b) Cyril and Omari Augustine duet at Omari’s wedding