Arts Award Part B Discussion

Young people who’ve been taking part in The Exchanging Notes music project went to The Sage Gateshead to see an Afro Beat band called Seun Kuti & the Egypt 80.

The performance was thoroughly enjoyed by all of the young musicians and group discussions after the visit were full of positive and interesting comments.

“The atmosphere was very loud and full of excitement and energy. I liked seeing the live band because it was very full on.”

 “I would recommend it to others because they enjoyed themselves and stuck to the African tradition in a unique way.”

When I asked what people thought about The Sage Gateshead they said it was amazing, class, impressive and beautiful.

The young people described the performance as fun, energetic and vibrant they said “they were enthusiastic and it kept you interested. It was a great performance with lots of skill.” They also said “It was political, talking about racism, there were reasons behind all the songs.”

I asked the young musicians what the band was like and they told me;

“The band had a jazzy side to it because there were saxophones and instruments like that. They also had traditional African instruments.”

“All of the musicians had an equal part to play to create the sound. You could tell that they thought this was important because they introduced each of the band members at the start of the performance.”

What the young people liked best;

“I liked the dancers because they had really interesting costumes, jewellery and face paint. They were celebrating the fact that they were African.”

“The music because you could hear each musician; it was well balanced.”

“I liked how they had a reason for each song they made.”

“I liked the percussionists; it was a really synchronised performance.”

“I liked how they were all enjoying themselves and dancing about.”

Community Musician Liz Corney has been leading workshops with the young people joined in the discussion, she said “They sounded like they really enjoyed it; a completely different musical experience to what they usually have.”

Exchanging Notes aims to broaden young people’s horizons; the visit has certainly achieved this.

Tim Coyte Exchanging Notes Project Co-ordinator