At age 23, Orlando Primo a self-taught and talented drummer has embarked on a one-man mission to reignite this culture with the opening of his Magic Fingers Drumming School.

Orlando Primo beats his drum during the opening ceremony of Magic Fingers Drumming School.

From birth, he was exposed to music in all its forms and at the tender age of seven he started beating the drums after being encouraged by an older brother who was a self-taught drummer. He soon realized that he was good and under the watchful eyes of that big brother he got even better. Together Orlando and his big brother played at church services, religious occasions such as queh queh, Kwanza and services as well as wakes and parties. In 2006 the two teamed up with another brother to form the Primo Brothers group and they entered many African drumming competitions, reaping encouraging results. One such competition was the Drum of Passion hosted by the African Cultural Development Association (ACDA) in which the Primo brothers placed second. In late 2007, Orlando decided to branch off, entering Mashramani competitions with other members of the New Campbellville Secondary Scheme, where he was a student at the time. They won those competitions. Orlando also played solo various religious functions and his drumming has received favourable responses.

Now, he wants to share his talent with the young and old. His target group is anyone between the ages of 9 to 65 years old.

Filled with excitement and pride, he officially opened his school during a simple ceremony at ACDA which was attended by family and friends.

Orlando told The Scene that he decided to teach drumming to others because he wanted to “rejuvenate our lost drumming culture”. He said that he sees drumming as a part of his African ancestry but it has been dying. He said that his drumming school would be used as an avenue to expose the younger generation to it as well as the older folks if they desire.

So far 25 persons have enrolled for a six-month course which started on March 1. Classes are held four days a week at a cost of $2000 per month.

Orlando explained that while his aim is to reignite the lost culture and not to really benefit financially, he has to buy instruments for the students to play thus “the small monthly fee”.

To gets things stated, he said that he spent about $380,000 and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has pledged support towards his venture.

“I see this as a very big challenge. Most people see drumming as being used for spiritual purposes but that is not so. When I beat it I enjoy it”, an excited Orlando told The Scene.

As he lightly tapped his “magical fingers” on the drum, the sweet rhythmic sounds overwhelm the stillness of the afternoon. It was hard to sit still thereafter.

Anyone wishing to learn the art of drumming can pick up applications at ACDA or contact Orlando on 699-2231.