Ding! Ding! Ding! Kake plays the cowbell as he moves around, ding! Ding! This has always been our way of starting the drum circle, a call to assemble and invite everyone to the circle. For two years, this bell has been synonymous with the drum circle at Hilton square. Now, it rings not only at Jivanjee gardens but also in Limuru, at Apollo Science Park, a pioneer Children’s Science Park and a Child Based Curriculum (CBC) center in Kenya. The park aims to bring classroom lessons to life in a fun and exciting way, inspiring the next generation of science and art practitioners, as well as technological and cultural innovators to both fields.
Over the last two years, Apollo has been setting up an art and cultural space through the collection of Kenyan traditional music instruments, artifacts, and traditional children’s play songs. The collection is housed in Manyatta, a Maasai traditional home. The introduction of the drum circle at Apollo brings this collection of musical instruments to life.
Led by the Nairobi Drum Circle crew, the children will not only learn about the different drums from various Kenyan ethnic communities but also learn how to play the rhythms. Sticks! Sticks! Stick! One two, one two, one, one two, rhythmically children hit the sticks together as Kake at the center of the circle leads them. They learn the famous chakacha beat from the coast, Karachuonyo from Nyanza, Isukuti from Western Kenya of cos the other Children’s favorite Hip Hop beat.
Weekends and school holidays are the busiest times, Schools also organize class visits with requests for specific science practicals or artistic practices like throwing wheel pottery, weaving, sometimes even leather work. Adopting the drum circle at Apollo enriches the center's activities. David Kimani, the founding Director of Apollo, believes that it is time to expose children and even adults to their traditions in an authentic, respectful, and fun way, so that they can have an interest in it, learn, and have fun while at it. They look forward to having the drum circle for any group of children visiting the Park. Stick! stick! stick!
Drum circles, like the one at Apollo Science Park, are not only a celebration of rhythm and music but also serve as a vital tool for cultural preservation and education. By introducing children to traditional Kenyan music and rhythms, the drum circle fosters a sense of cultural pride and appreciation for their heritage. Additionally, it encourages teamwork, communication, and creativity, making it a valuable addition to the center's activities.