During the last week of January, our KGS Hermann-Gmeiner school in Düsseldorf was transformed into a vibrant world of drumming and dance. As part of our project week, we had the pleasure of welcoming “Trommelzauber” and drummer Soukou to our school. For an entire week, all the children at our school drummed and danced under his guidance—an experience that generated great enthusiasm.

The theme of “Trommelzauber” was “Tambo-Tambo—A Journey to Africa.” Together, the children embarked on an imaginative journey across the African continent, getting to know various animals along the way. The first graders were graceful gazelles, the second graders portrayed proud giraffes, the third graders embodied mighty elephants, and the fourth graders slipped into the role of monkeys. Each grade had rehearsed its own dance, which was performed with great joy and passion. The decorations and costumes—everything was handmade by the children themselves, and they were incredibly proud of them. In between, everyone drummed and sang together—and Soukou managed to get all the children excited. It was especially wonderful that while our school has children from many different nations and countries of origin, none of that mattered when it came to drumming, singing, and dancing: everyone was a team and enjoyed the music together.

The highlight of the week was the two big performances on Friday. In front of parents, teachers, and guests, the children showed what they had learned during the week. There was drumming, dancing, and singing—and the audience was invited to join in too! Captivating rhythms, happy faces, and a great atmosphere made the performances an unforgettable experience. It was particularly impressive that every child was actively involved the entire time, whether drumming or dancing. No one stood on the sidelines, and the enthusiasm was palpable everywhere.

Without support, such a project would not have been possible. For this, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks. Special thanks go to Kinderträume e.V., which funded the project, as well as to our support association and the many parents who supported this special experience with their donations. But we would especially like to thank Soukou. With his energy, enthusiasm, and warm personality, he managed to turn all of us into a wonderful team. He showed how music can bring people together—regardless of age, background, or language.

Thanks to this generous support and Soukou’s unique dedication, the children were able to experience an unforgettable week filled with music, movement, and community. The magic of drumming has enchanted our school—and we’re already looking forward to the next musical adventure!