David: Batala Year One

Batala London
3 days ago
2 min read

Member Story: As told by David

One day I saw Batala London playing and dancing in Hyde Park, and I thought - hey, how can I join such an amazing group? That turned out to be surprisingly easy because Batala run taster sessions each year that are very welcoming and friendly. I met our leader Pilar and a load of other very talented drummers, and after a few more rehearsals I was invited to join the band.

Colorful colonial street with cobblestones, pastel buildings, a church tower, a few pedestrians, and a parked car under a bright blue sky

At first, I played ‘Fundo 1’ under the cheerful tuition of bass maestro Andy, hauling my drum down to Poplar for the London Marathon. This was the first gig for me and fellow newbies Nicole and Jess: it really felt like jumping in the deep end and we loved it!

Just before the Notting Hill Carnival I injured my leg in a non-drumming incident. Pilar noticed that I was struggling with the weight of the Fundo and asked if I would prefer to play snare (or ‘Caixa’ in Portuguese). Arriving for two full day rehearsals, I could hear the thunder of 250 Batala Mundo drummers half a mile away and wondered how on earth I would manage the carnival songs.

Four smiling carnival-goers in red, black and white Batala London outfits pose on a sunny street under trees. — Newbies with Giba at the Notting Hill Carnival.

"I could hear the thunder of 250 Batala Mundo drummers half a mile away."

I was kindly swept up by Caixa diva Geri who guided me throughout the rehearsals and the parade, not once mentioning my numerous mistakes. To drum with the assembled throng of Batala Mundo at Notting Hill, led by founder Giba Goncalves and dressed like an exotic group of playing cards, was an unforgettable experience.

Group photo of the Salvador crew, back in the UK at rehearsal.

Returning for autumn rehearsals and sticking with the Caixa, I was gently informed by my tutor Pamela that my technique ‘made her ears hurt’. I took this on board and Pamela conjured up a practice pad, carefully putting me straight on the Brazilian ‘clave’ and the delicate use of ghost notes. After a few sessions she declared my progress ‘awesome’ although at first I thought she had said ‘awful.’

This year I have drummed at Batala gigs in the driving rain and in fierce sunshine. At the Syon Park Foodies Festival we appeared on the main stage just after ‘Scouting for Girls’ – alright then, it was actually 16 hours after they had finished their headline set the night before.

Batala is a lot of fun. It offers a place where we drum and dance our way into places outside our comfort zone, where we leave our problems behind and where we make many new friends. Meanwhile, as Pilar says, ‘we are all constantly learning.’

Group of drummers in red-and-white patterned outfits performing outdoors, one smiling in front of a doorway.

It offers a place where we drum and dance our way into places outside our comfort zone.