TRADITIONAL DANCE AND PERCUSSIONS

RADI CULTURAL TROUPE PERCUSSION PROFILE:

Radi is a Swahili word which means lightening. Therefore it is in the same dynamic breath that we express ourselves through music in this Kenyan cultural group.

Radi represents a group of musicians from Nairobi, Kenya who are not only ambassadors of culture but also custodians of traditional music. In this capacity we have been able to travel to various countries which include Tanzania, Uganda, Japan, Germany, Belgium, Canada, Holland, South Africa and a host of many other countries to spread the music of our ancestors. We have performed in various platforms which include; Festival Mundial in Holland, MTV MAMA Awards where we performed alongside the famous Wyclef Jean, During the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, The Kigezi  Ndoto Tour of East Africa amongst many other concerts and tours. Our meanest feat was drumming down to beat the Guinness World Book Record, and to date no other Kenyan group has dared to beat our record. The group also performs at The Kenya National Theatre where it’s based and at The National Museums in Nairobi during weekends when they don’t have prior engagements elsewhere.

Radi consists of multi talented artistes who are able to play various instruments from all over the world. Some of the instruments include all kinds of drums such as all authentic Kenyan Drums, percussion instruments, flutes, horns, rattles, West African Djembe Drum among many others. We also sing, dance, compose music and arrange very entertaining stage performances.

Other than the stage performances, Radi members are also renowned as workshop facilitators and teachers of African instruments. We also teach about music instruments and culture in Kenyan schools such as The Hilcrest School, The Swedish School, The German School, The Braeburn School, The International School of Kenya, The Braeside School and private lessons at The Kenya National Theatre. In addition to this we also make, repair and maintain traditional instruments such as Drums and flutes. The group also gives lessons in various traditional instruments and culture in various events such as corporate functions; we also do Drum Jams at the bequest of the host.

Radi has a very wide repertoire of African Folk songs and Kenyan traditional songs, which I have also attached. We are a happy group of people who like to share the spirit of the drum because we believe it’s the heartbeat of the society. The cry and the smile of Africa is also shared through our various beats and songs.