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Campbell is apprentice to Augustine and Felix Omeben.

Rather than establishing a rhythmic pattern for the dancers to follow, Campbell must learn to follow the movements of the dancers and play according to their leaps and turns.

According to the Omebens, the traditional dances of their native Ishan tribe were invented 1,000 years ago by hunters who had observed gorillas tumbling and flipping. The dances, which are performed only by males, have become more spectacular and competitive over time. Because the dances are closely associated with traditional religious beliefs, performances are sometimes preceded by eating glass or fire as a demonstration of faith.