Small pain for a big gain or "sore hands but smiling hearts" as Koffie Fugah puts it.
That was the message from the West African drummer who will be debuting in Whanganui this weekend for a two-day workshop where he aims to spread his love for dance, drums and music.
Mr Fugah, with his 40 Djembe drums and four other drummers, will be found at the St Johns Scout Group Hall on Denby Place in Whanganui on Saturday and Sunday from 10.30am to 2.30pm.
He moved from Ghana, West Africa to New Zealand four years ago after his "Kiwi friend" invited him over for a holiday.
"I fell in love with New Zealand so I ended up moving here and have been touring the country with my drums ever since."
He said he had been all over New Zealand but not yet Whanganui.
"I've been saving the best for last," he said.
Mr Fugah said he had been learning the drums since he was 9 but the instrument and the music had been a big part of his culture since day one.
"In my village when we dance we are looking up to the sky or down to the earth but in New Zealand people are looking left or right to see whose watching or they might only dance after they've drank something."
He said what was missing in New Zealand culture was free-spirit dancing and a sense of community.
"That's what I'm bringing to Whanganui and I'm hoping a group will form in Whanganui after my visit... I've been amazed at how many people have Djembe drums at home, it's really cool."
Mr Koffie advised that people who wished to attend the workshop needed to register and could contact him via email: africandrumanddancenz@gmail.com or phone: 02102680964.