Name: Trusha

Age: 29

Drum: Alfaia

Occupation/Job/non-Katumba life activities: Doctor

How long have you been part of the Katumba family? Since it started

Where are you from? What’s your background? I’m Indian but I grew up in Liverpool.

What inspired you to join Katumba? I was on my gap year and decided I needed something more in my life than just academic work. I love music and have always played some sort of instrument, I decided I would give it a go and have never looked back!

Did you have any previous musical experience before joining? I had played the clarinet and piano but no experience with percussion.

Are/were there any barriers you had to overcome? I was young when I joined and it was nerve-wracking joining a band where most people were a lot older and already knew each other. I am a shy person initially and it takes me a while to get comfortable, but once I started everyone was so welcoming that I was able to overcome that. It has helped me with my confidence over the years and I don’t think anyone would describe me as shy now!

I have also had barriers of managing a work/life balance and fitting it into my busy schedule especially juggling it around shift work but it is possible if you make it a priority!

What is the best thing about being part of Katumba? The original and fresh music and dancing that Juliana and Ritchie bring to the band. I love challenging myself and learning new moves and rhythms and Katumba has given me the space to do that.

Tell us your all-time favourite Katumba moment or performance? When we played at my wedding! The crowd went wild and It was great showing my family what I have been doing for the past 10 years!

What does Katumba mean to you? Katumba has given me the chance to express myself creatively, to stay active and challenged me to learn new things! Life would be very dull without Katumba.

What would you say to someone who is interested in joining the band? Do it, you won’t regret it!

If you’d like to join our group, or come for a taster session click here to find out more.

Photo: @scottmsaltphoto Scott Salt