PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR JUSTICE, CULTURE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT: 45 drummers come together in Valletta for a unique performance as part of the Drumfest festival

A large ensemble of 45 drummers took to St George’s Square in Valletta on Satruday morning, surprising passers-by with two live collective performances of toe-tapping tunes.

Belgian group Kortrijk Drumt travels across the world sharing a message of cooperation, teamwork, diversity and unity. Each of the group’s 45 members performs using their own personal drum kit in various cities around the globe, making their lively musical performances accessible for all.

While addressing a press conference, Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government Owen Bonnici lauded this innovative initiative, which aims to promote an inclusive and accessible culture, through something which has never been done before in our capital. 

“Our strategy as a Ministry is to ensure that culture and the arts are truly accessible to all. In this way, we are creating a unique platform for local artists to showcase their talents, whilst also providing the opportunity to festival goers with the possibility to experience established international artists. This is yet another initiative which enrichens our cultural calendar and strengthens our local cultural product,” stated Bonnici.

 

Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef said that it is an honour for Valletta to be among the cities chosen by Kortrijk Drumt to perform in. “This is the first performance of its kind to take place in Valletta, where so many drummers are performing at the same time in St George’s Square. It is lovely to see one of our capital city’s main squares so full of life and positivity thanks to the power of music to bring people together. The Valletta Cultural Agency strives to bring life to Valletta and to promote participation and unity within its community and beyond.”

Kortrijk Drumt was born in 2015, when Gino Kesteloot, known as ‘the drum-wonder of Kortrijk’, came up with the idea to perform with all of his students in the main square of his hometown. The group’s first public appearance saw them performing ‘Uptown Funk’ by Bruno Mars. The success of this event was overwhelming and since then Kortrijk Drumt have been travelling all over the world.

Kortrijk Drumt are currently in Malta as part of DrumFest Festival 2019. The festival, which is taking place at Ta’ Qali National Park between the 14th and 15th of June, is a fresh, musical interaction bringing various musical genres together, from rock to techno. For more information visit www.drumfestmalta.com.