Ipswich teen to drum alongside global artists
Darell Chipuru, 17, from Ipswich, has been awarded a bursary place at the Wooden Roots Experience, a West African drum and dance weekend that draws students from around the world to Snape Maltings.
Why it matters: The bursary means Darell, who is originally from Zimbabwe, will play drums alongside internationally touring artists and other students at the two-day event on 29 and 30 August 2026.
The details: Darell is studying for an A Level in Sound Engineering at Kesgrave High School. His bursary is delivered through Rhythm with Roots CIC, the sister organisation of Wooden Roots. The organisation first met him at an end-of-year student event at Ipswich Academy in summer 2025.
What they are saying: Wooden Roots Experience founder Marcus Brown said: "From the moment we met Darell during an end of year student event at Ipswich Academy in summer 2025, we noticed his natural musicality and curiosity about West African traditions were unmistakable.
"Since then Darell has shown himself to be engaged, community-minded, and eager to learn – embodying everything the Rhythm with Roots bursary stands for. We're delighted to award him a place at the Wooden Roots Experience, and believe his skills and leadership will ripple outwards to inspire many more young people."
Darell added: "I'm thrilled to be part of the Wooden Roots Experience as a bursary student. I can't wait to learn more about the drums, the rhythms and culture during the weekend! It means a lot to be awarded the bursary as it'll help me improve my practice, meet people like me and to have a great time!"
The bigger picture: The weekend brings together students who already work with Rhythm with Roots CIC, including teachers, school children and young people from Ipswich and East Suffolk. A number of bursary places are offered to support those who might not otherwise be able to attend.
The big picture: The event offers traditional West African djembe drumming and dance classes supported by live drumming. It is supported by Arts Council England and Britten Pears Arts.
The bottom line: A bursary has earned one Ipswich teenager a place at an international drum and dance weekend in Suffolk, playing alongside musicians who tour the world.
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