Kámoši Juniors Performing Arts Group in Leigh

CAN was delighted by the return of Kámoši Juniors Performing Arts Group to face-to-face work after lockdown which interrupted the sessions that inspired friendships between children from diverse families in Leigh in the borough of Wigan.

Kámoši worked with CAN’s talented artists to create music with the multi-instrumentalist Jaydev Mistry, developed their performance skills with drama worker Chelsea Morgan, and worked with the visual artist Mandy Beck McKim who used textiles, 3D, and 2D media to create puppets, mosaics, and illustration with the group.  CAN’s artists were joined by Wigan Music Service’s facilitators Mel McCabe and Sharon Darby-Purcell who developed the group’s considerable musical talents.

Here are pictures from the end of term Kámoši celebrations.

Listen to some of the music Kámoši has created in summer 2021 with two tracks inspired by the environment.

‘It’s our future and our responsibility.’

Check out the pictures from taken from the recording workshop.

Through outreach in schools and links with families, Kámoši was thrilled to welcome new members to the lively mix of music-led performance activities which took place every Saturday.

CAN’s Kámoši Juniors Performing Arts Group is our project for children aged 6 – 11 years in Leigh.  Children are from a range of backgrounds, including those from refugee and migrant families, the local traveller community, and from the town’s more established diverse communities. The project builds confidence, creative skills, and children make connections and friends with the wider community.

Throughout 2020, due to the COVID restrictions, Kámoši couldn’t come together to enjoy their regular Saturdays so we kept in touch remotely.  CAN posted packs full of art materials, inspiration, and creative challenges – and a few snacks to keep the children’s energy flowing.

CAN was able to continue to fund music sessions in a local primary school where children worked in COVID-safe small groups with music facilitator Mel McCabe to learn the ukulele and compose their own music and songs. Teachers and pupils had a wonderful time and asked for more sessions.

In December 2020, Kámoši created Our Street, a film that mixed their creative writing, and craft with film footage by artist Chelsea Morgan. Our Street took audiences on a tour of their imaginary street and town, with all the children’s ideas cleverly weaved together by artists. Once the story and visuals were created by Chelsea, then musician Jaydev Mistry created an original soundtrack, responding to the ideas and creativity of the group.

“Yessssssssssssssssssssssss!”

Reaction from a Kámoši member when the return of Saturday sessions were announced.

“Singing and dancing is fun! I like Kamosi and enjoy playing with my friends.”

Member of Kámoši

“[My daughter] absolutely loves Kamosi.  It has built her confidence and she’s made new friends…she’s been learning the ukulele and cello. She loves mixing with different children and making new friends.”

“Kamosi is amazing, friendly and makes people shine and build friends and confidence, and builds on children’s self-esteem, too…”

Mum of a Kámoši member

CAN works in partnership with the Ethnic Minority Achievement Service (EMAS), Wigan Music Service, and three local primary schools, to put creativity at the heart of children’s lives.

Funded by BBC Children In Need and Youth Music.