Buganda Drummers make Bold entry

There’s something uniquely powerful about traditional music and dance—the way it connects us to our roots and stands out in its authenticity. So, when the Kiganda dance crew took the stage at the Be Bold Festival at Errington Reserve Oval, part of the Brimbank Municipal Council’s celebrations, the crowd came to a standstill. Everyone, whether in the middle of activities or simply passing by, paused to soak in the vibrant energy of the drumming and rhythm.

The sound of long drums, xylophones, shakers, and hand-clapping filled the air, as the dancers, full of passion and energy, performed with vigour. Some of the beats were a little off-kilter, but that only added to the authenticity and joy of the performance. The message was clear: this wasn’t just another choir—it was a group of Ugandans bringing their rich cultural traditions to life through music and movement.

Convincing people that they could get involved and try out the instruments themselves would have been more difficult than squeezing water from a stone. But once the performance started, the crowd was drawn in, with some even jumping up to join in before the official invitation was made. Children, excited by the rhythms, couldn’t wait to get onto the stage, and the dance crew happily handed out spare sashes so the little ones could join in on the fun.

“It was a perfect day,” said Vincent Ssemaganda, who coordinates the dance group. “Whenever we perform and the crowd is happy, we are also happy. We didn’t expect so many volunteers to join us, but it was amazing to see.”

For many in the crowd, the opportunity to try their hand at drumming and dancing was an eye-opener. “I always thought drumming looked easy, but now that I’ve tried it, I realize how much skill it takes. I’m definitely going to keep practicing,” said Dickson Katumba, one of the volunteers.

The joy wasn’t just in the performance; it was in the sense of community that had formed. The atmosphere was electric, and the smiles on everyone’s faces said it all. “What a beautiful day—great vibes, and everyone enjoying themselves. It was just spectacular for our community,” said Simone Gordon from Brimbank. “None of this would have been possible without your contribution to the festival. I can’t thank you enough for being part of Be Bold 2024!”