Five Lentegeur boys have started a band – with unconventional instruments.
Isgak Dollie, 12, Chris Junior (CJ) Welcome, 7, Noor Gordon, 12, Anwaaz Dollie, 8, and Cayden Damons, 10, are making melodies using chairs, broom sticks, paint drums and recycled goods.
The Drumline Entertainers started a week into the new year gathering in their friend’s shed, following the Tweede Nuwe Jaar fan fair of the minstrels and Malay choirs.
One day they were banging their hearts out when their neighbour Lance Botha recorded their performance and put it on social media.
“The aunties down the road used to chase and tell us to go home, but since Uncle Lance put us on TikTok they no longer skel (shout).
“We’re famous now,” said Isgak.
They use broom sticks pieces as drum sticks to beat on paint drums and a 25L water can. Handles of a baby feeding chair, the straps of their mommies’ bags and shoe laces are used to keep their makeshift drums up.
Isgak said they play by ear, trying to copy the beats they hear.
Isgak’s mom Aisha said: “We will support them. It keeps them busy.”
“We grew up with minstrels and there is a troupe just down the road but they did not want to give these children a chance,” she said.
Mr Botha said: “These kids are creative and I thought let’s give them some exposure. It keeps them off the streets and they can entertain people. Hopefully they can inspire other kids,” he said
Since the first week of January Mr Botha has been fielding messages and offers of sponsorship.
They received T-shirts and were offered music lessons.
“They are not a charity case and will be doing various outreach programmes, including beach clean-ups and look at other ways as to how they can help their community,” said Mr Botha.
For more information call Mr Botha on 060 523 1959 or watch them on TikTok @drumlineentertain.
