Inaugural ‘Beat That Drum’ festival is on
Nov 21, 2002
The National Theatre gardens will not be the same today as the ‘Beat That Drum’ percussion festival kicks off
By Sebidde Kiryowa and Denis Jjuuko
The National Theatre gardens will not be the same today as the ‘Beat That Drum’ percussion festival kicks off. The inaugural ceremony of the celebrations that will eventually take place on an annual basis is organised by Alliance Francaise de Kampala in conjunction with the French Embassy. The biggest cultural event will start at exactly midday.
Jessica Miiro, Alliance Francaise’s African Cultural Coordinator says: “Ugandans will see the difference for 10 hours non-stop at no cost with various percussion groups from all over Uganda and abroad. We shall have a unique presentation by more than 30 artistes from in and around Kampala like Percussion Discussion Afrika and Makerere University’s MDD department.†The Nocturnal Band and groups from Mbale, Acholi, Nebbi, Kasese, Lira, Toro, Iganga and Rwanda will perform. The Royal Group from Northern Kivu in the DRC will be here to represent Congo people.
Didier Martin, the Cultural Attache at the French Embassy, says all is set for the event. He says that comedian Alex Mukulu will preside over the function. Gigantic sculptures made from discarded metal from artist Sanaa Gateja will be displayed.
The festival will begin with workshops for artistes as directed by experienced professional traditional musicians like Herman Sewanyana of Afrigo Band and Percussion Discussion Africa. Albert Bisaso will team up with his father and mentor Mzee Sempeke to present Buganda royal music, which will feature bravura performances from schools such as Kampala Parents, Kabira International School and Shimoni among others.
All invited artistes will then display their talents at different locations of the National Theatre at 5:00pm.
The final presentation will be a stage performance from 7:00pm at the cultural village. There will also be unique drum competitions (solo, groups) in between presentations.
A great stage, amazing sound and good stage lighting will be provided by Blood Brothers Productions. A giant video screen will also be on stage.
The National Theatre gardens will not be the same today as the ‘Beat That Drum’ percussion festival kicks off. The inaugural ceremony of the celebrations that will eventually take place on an annual basis is organised by Alliance Francaise de Kampala in conjunction with the French Embassy. The biggest cultural event will start at exactly midday.
Jessica Miiro, Alliance Francaise’s African Cultural Coordinator says: “Ugandans will see the difference for 10 hours non-stop at no cost with various percussion groups from all over Uganda and abroad. We shall have a unique presentation by more than 30 artistes from in and around Kampala like Percussion Discussion Afrika and Makerere University’s MDD department.†The Nocturnal Band and groups from Mbale, Acholi, Nebbi, Kasese, Lira, Toro, Iganga and Rwanda will perform. The Royal Group from Northern Kivu in the DRC will be here to represent Congo people.
Didier Martin, the Cultural Attache at the French Embassy, says all is set for the event. He says that comedian Alex Mukulu will preside over the function. Gigantic sculptures made from discarded metal from artist Sanaa Gateja will be displayed.
The festival will begin with workshops for artistes as directed by experienced professional traditional musicians like Herman Sewanyana of Afrigo Band and Percussion Discussion Africa. Albert Bisaso will team up with his father and mentor Mzee Sempeke to present Buganda royal music, which will feature bravura performances from schools such as Kampala Parents, Kabira International School and Shimoni among others.
All invited artistes will then display their talents at different locations of the National Theatre at 5:00pm.
The final presentation will be a stage performance from 7:00pm at the cultural village. There will also be unique drum competitions (solo, groups) in between presentations.
A great stage, amazing sound and good stage lighting will be provided by Blood Brothers Productions. A giant video screen will also be on stage.