What a fun time i had bringing some sounds from the commonwealth to this track in honour of the Queen’s Jubilee. Thankful for my huge collection of percussive instruments from around the world. There are 56 independent countries that make up the commonwealth, from Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe. I decided I would try and use percussive instruments and sounds from every continent. So here’s a list – Yidaki (didgeridoo) Australia, Tuelle (log drums) Pacific islands of Fiji and Samoa, various African drums and shakers from Tanzania, Rwanda and Nigeria, Ankglung (Malaysia), First Nations drum (Canada), shakers (Europe) and Clap sticks (Guyana).
Having spent time with the Mi’kmaq I was fascinated to find this video about the ji’kmaqn, a uniquely made percussive shaker. In the past this instrument was illegal to use or own. This video helps tell the story and remind people of the part it has played in Mi’kmaq culture.
On Thursday 24th February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. Five days later, this fanfare was composed by Torbjörn Hultmark, and the score sent to friends to use as they saw fit. Our good friend Chris Mitchell has added his creativity to the piece.
Incredible use of brass and modern dance beats – wow!
The Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela, which caused a sensation at the Proms in 2008, is the product of an extraordinary music education system that has been running for more than 30 years. Children as young as two get intensive music lessons designed to steer them away from the dangers of the street. Thanks Tim for sharing this clip.
Now that’s church 
Get your dancin’ shoes on!
A beautiful piece from the South Iceland chamber choir.
This video brings back wonderful memories of being with the Mandinka people in The Gambia. A beautiful people full of rhythm and dance. This song highlights this wonderful country. The kora is an instrument traditionally passed from father to son. Sona Jobarteh is one of the few to break that tradition.
Thank you Matthew for sharing this beautiful folk song from Georgia – only wish the donkey had sung too!
Honoured to be part of Canadian singer Buffy MacNeil’s recording project – Voices of the Silenced of Residential Schools. This video “Somebody Pray” is part of the project that began to unfold in January 2021 when Buffy MacNeil envisioned the ways she could support the health and well-being of Indigenous youth. She hopes to release an album which will support the creation of a youth care and advocacy centre in the community of the Paq’tnkek Mi’kmaw Nation.
