Ghetto Classics bring music to Kenyan slum

31 October 2012, 11:23

Classical music is being played in the Nairobi slum town of Korigocho by a new youth orchestra called Ghetto Classics.

A new youth orchestra called Ghetto Classics has been formed on the outskirts of Nairobi, Kenya, in an attempt to aid the young people's development. Founded in the slum town of Korigocho slum, the young musicians use borrowed instruments to play together.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, the ensemble's director and founder Elizabeth Njoroge commented: "Realistically we might not find that many world class musicians here, but through music I feel we can change who they are from inside… through music."

The orchestra itself is made up of brass, woodwind and percussion. Instruments are either donated to the orchestra's members or borrowed, and regular practice is encouraged to instil discipline and confidence.

Founded in June 2012, the orchestra is a joint project between Kenya's Art Of Music Foundation and the St. John's Catholic Church in the Korogocho slum. It currently has around 30 members and receive training through a partnership with the Kenya Conservatoire of Music.