“It all started because of some madness. My answer to all your questions is just that,” grins DJ and percussionist Bejoy Joy, known to many as Kimo. With sheer excitement, he talks about his dream project blossoming in Kerala — the drum circle.
Every week without fail, a diverse group of percussionists from various corners of Kochi converge to sit in a circle and jam together. The notes whisk through the air, resonating from instruments like the djembe, conga, hang drum, darbuka, didgeridoo, and cajon, all merging in an extraordinary synchrony of rhythms.
The magic of this drum circle lies in its perpetual novelty. Each session showcases fresh beats, rhythms, and musicians. If you can drum a few notes, they’ll gladly hand you an instrument, making you part of this exhilarating musical phenomenon. “There really are no bad drummers. Everyone has a sense of rhythm and musicality. Even if you don’t know music, you can join,” emphasizes Kimo, who has rooted himself in Kochi. Joining the drummers’ language allows you to dance to their beats because each jam session is nothing short of a celebration.
The drum circle convenes twice weekly in Fort Kochi. On Wednesdays, the musicians gather at David Hall, while Thursdays see them on Fort Kochi Beach. This vibrant gathering is organized by Art House Music Labs, a Kochi-based music company. “The idea is to develop a street music culture,” Kimo explains, reflecting on the spark that fueled his passion back in 2014. It was then, along the banks of the River Ganges in Rishikesh, that he first experienced the thrill of being part of a drum circle. “That changed everything,” he states with conviction. Upon returning to Kerala, Kimo was determined to kindle a similar musical spirit. “Street music is still an alien concept here,” he notes.
Driven by this vision, Kimo initiated the Fort Kochi drum circle in 2016. His bandmates from Rhythm Circle — Hari Krishnan, Nekheeb Sha, Arun Kumar, and Sajeer Khan — joined him.
. They would gather and play, often welcoming traveling musicians who added to the mix. But life’s unpredictability led to the drum circle’s temporary demise, even as the aspiration to foster this music culture continued to simmer within Kimo.
Fast forward eight years to early 2024, Kimo reignited the drum circle alongside Hari Krishnan. The dream had lingered persistently, and it was his time in Ukraine during the war that reinforced his resolve. He traveled to the war-torn country to be with his Ukrainian wife, Natalia Terekhova, and their baby. Remarkably, the war couldn’t stifle Ukraine’s street music scene. “Musicians would come out and jam during weekends, offering a sliver of normalcy amidst chaos. That’s what I wanted to recreate in Kerala,” Kimo reminisces.
Today, an eclectic mix of 31 musicians assemble with their instruments, faithfully meeting for the past four months. “Half of these musicians were strangers, but now we’re unified through music,” beams Kimo. Avinash Kurungot, an advocate from Kozhikode, recounts how he stumbled upon the drum circle after relocating from Bengaluru. “I was eager to connect with the local music scene and found this drum circle. It’s a space for percussionists to come and jam,” he says with appreciation.
The drum circle’s influence has started to ripple across different districts, drawing participants from afar. “I hope that one day, drum circles will flourish in every district, carrying on even in my absence,” Kimo dreams aloud.
For those curious to explore drumming and the rhythms it creates, the approach is simple — just show up. Each session of the drum circle is a joyous rendezvous with beats, making it a celebration of life, sound, and community.
The synchronized rhythm performances are held in Fort Kochi each week from 6:30 pm to 8 pm. On Wednesdays, the music takes place at David Hall, while Thursdays bring the musicians to Fort Kochi Beach. Those interested can reach out for details via phone at 9895162838 or 8137096664; Instagram: @rhythmcircleindia; or email: [email protected].
Published – September 08, 2024, 03:05 pm IST
The Hindu MetroPlus
