Who is Steve

Imagine a whole audience of non-musicians becoming an orchestra - in minutes.
Imagine the conductor saying nothing but speaking volumes – about leadership, communication & cooperation.
Imagine the value to a conference, of everyone having one vision, being in one focus & working with one energy.
Imagine a learning experience more powerful than words ….

Steve Barnett is regarded as one of the world’s top corporate motivation performers. Without words and through rhythm and humour, his enthusiasm creates a remarkable energy that is the finest interactive experience that South Africa has to offer. He is dedicated to the philosophy of African percussion and making it part of the way organisations and communities operates.

As a pioneer of the interactive ‘corporate’ drumming concept in South Africa he has developed a unique non-verbal approach to group events. He is currently making a big impact in the global circuit. He has performed at events in classical auditoriums, conference centres, and in stadiums with thousands but is equally comfortable at intimate teambuilding sessions in corporate surroundings or bush lodges. Using only a baton and facial expressions, he conducts his audiences, from 30 to 30 000, musically and rhythmically so that they experience the power of being a part of an orchestra, gaining valuable insights into communication, leadership and fun.

He spent much time in his youth traveling with an extended stretch teaching in a village mountain school and working on voluntary building projects in rural areas. He believes that the rhythm and energy of his country are a real value to share with the world.

Steve draws on the rhythm and energy of his audiences, making them an integral part of his presentations. Each of them plays an instrument, everyone becomes part of the music, and with drums, percussion, dance and humour they can feel the dust, the sweat, the laughter and the celebration of making the music of Africa. Whether they are accomplished musicians or complete novices, they become a powerful part of an interactive, rhythmic encounter that crosses all language and culture barriers.

Steve has been on the ‘speakers’ circuit for the past 13 years. He has conducted audiences at the Royal Albert Hall in London and at the opening ceremony of the 2003 Cricket World Cup in Cape Town, where he “whipped the audience into a frenzy”, as the Sunday Times put it

He has shared the stage with such luminaries as Rev. Desmond Tutu, Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandela, John Major, Lisa Minelli, Nelson Mandela, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Some comments

“He has an exceptional gift”. Reverend D. Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus, Nobel Peace Laureate

“Thank you for an overwhelming experience…we're still being congratulated, thanked & complimented by our colleagues” Nazli Roskin, H R Manager Nokia S A

“That was totally sensational, It was more than spirit-building…it was a spiritual experience. I can recommend you unreservedly to anyone. Thank you for transforming our staff in a day.” Michelle Blummenau, Fedsure Health Marketing.

“One can talk about ‘unity’, one can intellectualise about it, but all of this conjecture appears as nothing when you experience the real thing. Its transcendent, it sets you free, it reveals our true potential.” Louis Gavin, DDB South Africa.

“As a veteran of innumerable conferences and seminars at which one of the primary objectives has been to create a common bond between diverse personalities and talents in pursuit of a common goal, I have not participated in an exercise as stimulating as Steve Barnett’s.” Rob Renolds, COO, M-TEL

“Thia was the most enjoyable and memorable part of the whole event. Employees have understood the analogy between playing music as part of an orchestra and working in a manufacturing team.” John Stobbs, B.A.T.

“Within a very short space of time, led by only gestures and mime, the entire hall resounded with the magnificent sound of a percussion concert of syncopated, rhythmical music.....amazing. Steve Barnett left us with a philosophical message ...not unrelated to the essence of successful assisted reproductive technology. Thank you... your country and your lessons will not be forgotten.” Kay Elder Editor, Alpha medical publication. Cambridge U.K.

“A remarkable team-building exercise held in Sun City’s amphitheatre, all guests were given percussion instruments and were taught to make music together. Staged at dusk with atmospheric lighting, it was hugely successful – many were left with tears in their eyes! Meetings and Incentive Travel Special Supplement (UK)

There are certain things that cannot be described; they just have to be experienced. One such event was sitting in a West End London theatre last week beating out intricate percussion tunes in perfect harmony with 500 other members of the audience. Our conductor was Steve Barnett – the world’s premier motivational non-speaker. Without saying a word Barnett led his audience-turned-orchestra merely by a dash of his hand and an expressive face….Quite spectacular! ! Elizma Nolte, South Africa Times U.K.

Steve did one of his wonderful drum events for a group of United Nations people I had in South Africa. Never have I been so impressed by one person, without words, bringing together many people from all walks of life into an incredible, united,
happy group. Caren Banks Nature Encounters, California.

It was such a rousing, ice-breaking and theme-fitting start to the event and great to witness you in action – having heard you explain how your act works. It was quite incredible that you made a room of 850 people do your bidding without a spoken word uttered – a truly magical experience. Martin Lewis MD, Meetings & Incentive Travel, U K

Thank you for your grace and generosity, shared with us in the most humble and gentle way. You have really touched all of our lives, profoundly. Thank you for a most memorable, magical afternoon. Kim Mazebow Mother of four year old.

Uncle Steve is the funniest man in the world. Ruby Kapeluschnik 3 year old