Goldfields reggae artist speaks further on upcoming album at percussion workshop

Local reggae artist and self-proclaimed laughter therapist Ras Banamungu, who has been running Laughter Percussion for the past three years, will release his second album later this year.

The Kalgoorlie Miner attended Banamungu’s regular session with KalAbility members at the Y Kalgoorlie on Tuesday morning to watch the artist in action and speak further about his upcoming album.

The session attracts members from KalAbility and Goldfields Individual and Family Support Association to sing along to favourite tracks and follow the beat of Banamungu in a semi-circle of drums.

KalAbility operations manager Sally van Essen said the group had been involved with Laughter Percussion since May and attended the session once a week as an outlet for creative expression.

“One of our members, Andy, has been involved for a long time so he is quite out there and loves being in the environment and when we moved into the office here at the Y we thought why not make it a regular thing,” she said.

“It creates a bit of a feeling of happiness and provides a safe space to explore some self-expression for the guys. They really enjoy the benefits of it.”

Banamungu runs the regular program at the Y but is also open to running the workshop at other centres or for private events.

Banamungu said he was currently working on the finishing touches of the album that will be released later this year on a still undecided date.

“The music is funny and danceable — I like to joke around in my songs,” he said.

“I hope to bring a smile to people’s faces with some of the songs and to teach lessons with other ones.

“The new album will have 10 tracks and will be accompanied by videos of local groups and people dancing and having fun.”

The videos will be filmed locally featuring dancers from MT Dance and many community groups and members of the public.

Two singles from the album have already been released — Shakalaka-Doo Experience and Cherry Oh Queen — which have been well-received by the singer’s followers.