In his high-energy show of “Hambone, Hamtech Bring on the Groove,” performing artist Derique retells the story of how African-American slaves were deprived of drums and contributed to dance through other means, namely Hambone, a traditional form of body percussion. In the Spark “Solo Acts” episode, Derique’s passion for passing down this history becomes a celebration of music, dance, circus and high-tech Hambone.
Derique has introduced his unique blend of physical comedy and Hambone body music on stages and television shows around the world, with tours in Asia, Europe, the Americas and South Africa. He has performed with countless entertainers, including Bobby McFerrin, Lou Rawls and the late Sammy Davis Jr. Derique also shares his passion for performance with children, and has been featured on the Disney Channel and has hosted the Emmy Award-winning children’s television show “Short Stories and Tall Tales” for KQED.
The multitalented Derique began his career at age 15 — clowning, juggling, unicycling, dancing, doing gymnastics and performing Hambone body percussion. While working as a main attraction with Circus A La Mode in 1981, Derique “ran away” to join the Pickle Family Circus and Make*A*Circus in San Francisco. Currently, Derique is the Circus Arts program director at Oakland’s Children’s Fairyland and teaches circus arts at Bay Area schools.
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