The Old Cambrian Band Playing a Different Tune

“We try not to have a leader so that everyone has a say in the choice of repertoire; and so we vary from Cold play, to Mozart, to Fadhili Williams to Tshala Muana. I personally like the horn sections in 80s funk a lot,” says Moses Watatua, a teacher by profession and conductor of the Old Cambrian Band. Moses, who is the mzee of the group, birthed the band two years ago, when he decided to assemble some musical Old Cambrians (the alumni association of former Nairobi School students), as a way to relive the fond memories of the days in the school band.

In June 2013, at UP Live II: The Other Side of the Tracks, held at the idyllic Railways Museum, the Old Cambrian Band performed in a mash up with JAB’s Blinky Bill and The Slum Drummers; a performance, that left everybody whispering if not yelling: ‘Who are those guys?’ They are a dedicated bunch made up of fulltime and part-time members, including Moses Watatu (keys and trumpet), Samson Maiko and Mahlon Walo (both trumpet), Austin Kabiru and Boaz Waweru (trombone), Peter Nyabuto (sax and vocalist), Allan Kiugu (Tuba), and Gershon Rota (keys). “Old Cambrians is the name given to Nairobi School (formerly known as Prince of Wales School) alumni,” says Moses, adding that it still continues to churn out music educators, performers and producers. The band’s part-timers add up to about 40 musicians who are usually called up when needed. Some of them include: Chris Adwar, Jacob Asiyo, Lawrence Mwai, Timothy Riungu, and Edward Parseen – all notable faces and names in Kenya’s music industry. Renowned pianist Aaron Rimbui, also an Old Cambrian, is among musicians who intend to soon join the band in action.

While the band has made considerable strides in placing itself on the Kenyan musical scene, it has been a journey full of ups and downs. Not all concerts are well visited and it can be a challenge putting all the right notes together while promoting their concerts. “In every gig there are good and not so good experiences but we always choose to have fun and be positive. We once had a gig at the MJ Centre in aid of the Nairobi School’s Music Department. However, the turnout was very low. I guess we focused too much on the music and forgot the marketing side of things,” Moses says. One of the most memorable moments for the band was playing at UP Live II. “The audience was lively and receptive, and we had fun!” Moses recalls.

Old Cambrians Band are now working on a music album in order to share their magic with the world. In an industry with new artists and musical tastes cropping up every month, what does a band that mainly focuses on percussion and wind instruments have to offer? Moses asserts that the band’s sound is diverse, and varies in age and taste. “Besides, ours is a new sound with Kenyan melodies, harmonies and rhythms integrated within the timbres of a wide range of instruments,” he says citing the constant growth in Kenyans’ appreciation of instrumental music; this being directly proportional to growth in the band’s audience and fan base.

In addition to making music, the Old Cambrian Band also aims to give back to the community. “I thought this would be a great way to raise awareness of Nairobi School’s Music Department, its various needs and to inspire the current students. If alumni of schools and Universities all gave back a little to their old institutions, education in Kenya would improve and no one would have to be sent home for fees again,” Moses states, adding that the same should be done for all areas of education including science, arts and humanities, and sports. “The Band members give back by teaching music, buying resources and mentoring students.” It’s that spirit of togetherness, in solidarity and musical accompaniment, which makes the Old Cambrian Band, the edgiest and richest melodic entrant in the music industry. “My wish is for members to see the benefits of teaming up to do great things for themselves and others,” concludes Moses.

The band is currently working on an album scheduled for release mid 2014. For bookings, call + 254733601247

By Ras Mengesha