Jersey Kids Groove to Live African Beats and Marimba Magic!

Students at Mont a l'Abbe School in Jersey had a unique opportunity to experience live African music when the band Otto and the Mutapa Calling visited their school. The musicians, led by Otto Gumaelius, wore matching black shirts decorated with bold pineapple and leaf patterns, adding a lively touch to the classroom setting. The room itself was filled with bright yellow walls, cabinets, and colorful artwork, creating a cheerful atmosphere for the event. The band performed for neurodiverse children, sharing not only their music but also their culture and heritage.

Otto and the Mutapa Calling are a marimba band, and their instruments are traditional to Zimbabwe but are played throughout southern Africa. During their visit, the students were not only able to listen to the music but also had the chance to try playing some of the marimbas themselves. One of the students, Ronaldo, who is 17 years old, expressed his enjoyment of the performance. Wearing a navy blue sweatshirt with 'MCKENZIE' printed on it, Ronaldo said, 'It was a really good performance' and emphasized the importance of listening to new things. He also mentioned that music like this can help people feel happier, especially when they are stressed or frustrated, because it encourages them to dance and have fun.

Otto Gumaelius, the founder of the band, explained that sharing his culture with the Jersey community was very meaningful to him. He described the visit as 'heartwarming' and said, 'We're thrilled to come along and give them a little taste of our culture. ' Otto believes that music is a powerful way to connect people and improve their wellbeing and mental health. He noticed that the students were eager to dance and participate, which made the experience even more special. The band also performed at the Jersey Arts Centre during their visit to the island. Overall, the event was a memorable and educational experience for the students, allowing them to learn about African music and instruments while celebrating diversity and togetherness.