From Stage to Shores: Musical Magic Travels to African Kids

Musical instruments from the stage production of Brassed Off have found new homes with children in Cape Verde and Kenya. The instruments, mostly cornets and trombones, were originally used in a play at Leeds Playhouse, which was based on the classic 1996 film Brassed Off. The film tells the story of a brass band in South Yorkshire struggling to survive when the local coal mines close. Dave Walker, who runs All Brass and Woodwind in Leeds, helped provide the instruments for the play. After the show ended, the instruments were donated to children in Africa, thanks to Chris Backhouse, a musician and founder of a charity that gives old instruments to communities in Cape Verde.

Chris Backhouse has been a musician for over 50 years and believes every child should have the chance to play music. He started his charity last year and has already given instruments to nine teachers on five different Cape Verdean islands. These islands are about 350 miles from the western tip of Africa and have no music shops. Even if families had money, they could not buy instruments locally or online. Chris was inspired by Dave Walker, who had set up a similar charity in Kenya ten years ago. Now, Walker helps Chris find instruments to donate. Chris says he loves Cape Verde and knows the children there need help more than anyone else he knows.

The process of donating the instruments was not always easy, but Chris was glad to have the opportunity. Dave Walker was approached by the Brassed Off production team for props, and he decided to lend them instruments that were already meant for charity. This gave the instruments a third life, first in the play and then with children in Africa. The instruments traveled thousands of miles to reach Kenya and Cape Verde. Walker says giving children the chance to play music is good for their mental health and helps them feel valued. Some children who received instruments in Kenya are now part of school bands and play every day. Both Chris and Dave feel proud to help children discover the joy of music and hope to continue their work.