A group of musicians from poor backgrounds are conquering the world and proving that talent goes beyond riches or poverty. The percussionists recently charmed Queen Elizabeth II who told them not to stop inspiring the world. KIUNDU WAWERU speaksFor Slum Drummers, only a few years ago, a trip to Nairobi’s CBD was a dream. The percussionists who lived in the slums near the city  could not even raise fare of  Sh20.

But today, members of the group  are hobnobbing with the high and mighty around the world.

They recently sang for the Queen during her Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in Buckingham Palace, London. After the performance the Queen shook their hands and urged them not to stop doing their music

“Don’t stop. Continue doing this.”

The queen had probably been moved by the unlikely story of the Slum Drummers.

The group of 13 percussionists who hail from Kawangware, Waithaka and Dagoretti rose from humble backgrounds to the top. Some were street children while others lost one or both parents. 

And in life’s mysterious ways, as they rummaged the dumpsites for scrap to sell for their sustenance in earlier life  — which they still do today but not for sustanence. They rummage for items they use to make musical instruments.

Recycled materials

Slum Drummers  recycle materials like tins, used cans, spoons, sufurias, plastic drums. The result is the kind of music that you hear, without having seen the instruments and you marvel at the unique sound.

Add their lyrics are laced with message of hope to the thousands of vulnerable children, a warning about crime, drugs and awareness on HIV and AIDS.

It’s music that has a world feel to it. The group was formed in 2005 by a world travelled music teacher, Giovanni Cascio. Back then, they were known as  Jua kali.

One of the first members Joel Muiruri says they were rehabilitated by AMREF, and the music project kicked off.

Giovanni introduced them to beautiful music from West Africa, Cuba, and Europe.

Now the group has matured and is writing their own music.

 “I never thought my talent could amount to anything. Now, like the Queen told us, we don’t want to stop,” says Joel Muturi

Martin, another member was almost philosophically about their music. “I believe music heals. It’s the strongest (sic) medicine. To us there is no end...”

They all play different instruments, from Karimba, made of sufurias; Totem, made from a large metallic drum to the Tuba Phone, made up of several plastic pipes and hit on one end to produce sound.

Others, especially girls, dance to the music leaving you hypnotised.

They adopted the name Slum Drummers early this year, and they are fascinated by the response. They group has been invited for different events from Alliance Francaise to Sawa Sawa Festival. They also perform during private functions. Mid next month, Slum Drummers will perform at Michael Joseph Centre, Safaricom House.

In the past they have performed in  Brazil and Italy. 

They recently received invitations from around the world but cannot  travel because of lack of funds.

In London, the Slum Drummers were part of the Queen’s official song, Sing, written by UK’s celebrated musicians Gary Barlow and Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber.

They rubbed shoulders during the preparations and backstage with Sir Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Sir Paul McCartney among other music greats.

Seemingly excited but taking it all in stride, Joel adds, “Prince Harry gave me his email address!”

Will.i.am, a member of The Black Eyed Peas hip-hop group asked them to organise and invite him to a concert in Kenya.

 “And I wouldn’t want anything, you will give the proceeds to a Cause of your choice,” said Will.i.am.

The stage the Slum Drummers graced alongside other musicians from all over the world was a £200,000, specially constructed and built around the Victoria Memorial outside the Buckingham Palace.

The Slum Drummers have received worldwide acclaim.

Sample a DStv.com comment: “Barlow journeyed deep into the rural slums of Nairobi and discovered a hidden jewel in the form of the Slum Drummers. The 13-member group are renowned for making beautiful music from instruments made using materials sourced from junk yards and dump sites”.

The soft-spoken Martin, a talented artiste who puts his thoughts in paintings in the musical drums says that they have vowed to remain humble, despite the fame they are gaining. “We will never move from our community. The people there need us, and we need them as well.”

Indeed, looking at them, with the rugged looks of artists and from earlier hard living, you would hardly tell they are so musically gifted.