Instruments Find New Life in Africa

Musical instruments that were part of a Leeds Playhouse production of the film Brassed Off have been donated to children in Cape Verde and Kenya. Sourced from local restorer Dave Walker, the instruments, mainly cornets and trombones, were given a 'third life' through this charitable act.

Chris Backhouse, founder of a charity that supplies instruments to Cape Verde, facilitated the deliveries. He expressed a lifelong passion for music and a belief that all children should have access to it. Backhouse established his charity last year and has since supplied instruments to nine teachers across five Cape Verdean islands.

Walker, who also has a decade-long history of donating instruments to Kenya, collaborated with Backhouse. The instruments, originally intended for donation, were loaned to the production and will now travel thousands of miles to Kenya and Cape Verde. Walker highlighted the positive impact on the children's mental health and sense of value, noting that some who were previously on the streets are now active in school bands.