Eighteen albums later and having traveled around the world twice performing on five continents, Mariza has done more than any other Greek performer in promoting the traditional Greek folk song.

Her latest CD "the mermaid takes little alexander for a ride", combines story telling with folk song. Aimed at bringing today's children closer to their traditional roots, the music and story telling takes us on a journey throughout many parts of Greece with a magical mermaid.

Philippines Banda Kawaya

The Banda Kawayan (Bamboo Orchestra) is a unique ensemble of young, talented students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Manila. The group was organized in 1973 by Mrs. Gloria Talastas, then principal of the Philippine College of Commerce Laboratory High School.

The Banda Kawayan regularly performs not only in school programs but also for diplomats, tourists and balikbayans and in various functions of other public and private institutions.

Its unique musical style has taken the group to international expositions and concert tours in Europe, North America, Australia, the Middle East and other Asian countries to promote Philippine tourism and to act as ambassadors of goodwill. Showcasing its talents, the band has proven time and again that music knows no boundaries.

The Drum Café, South Africa

The Drum Café was started in Johannesburg in 1996 by Warren Lieberman. Moved by the experience of communal drumming, he soon had a small group of friends coming round to his home every Tuesday evening to exchange ideas and share in the unique experience of interactive drumming. The word spread, and it was not long before over one hundred people were arriving to join the circle. The concept of a Drum Café was born.

Warren went on to study djembe drumming with master drummer Adama Drame and become an internationally qualified drum facilitator. Soon after, he opened the Drum Cafe in Johannesburg. A casual little shop with a quaint restaurant and small stage, people flocked to see the new attraction and be inspired by groundbreaking performers. Drums were sold, repaired and traded, coffee was consumed, great ideas were discussed and what began as an enthusiastic idea evolved into a reality. The Drum Café expanded to all the major centers around South Africa.

The Drum Café soon became a success in Africa, and began accepting numerous invitations to perform for major corporations internationally. So high was the demand for the product that in 2002 it opened a number of branches worldwide, including all over America, Canada, Australia, Germany and the UK.

Editor: Feng Hui