Beats Beyond Borders: How Colombian Musicians Brought the Rhythm to Northern Ireland
Music doesn’t need a passport. It doesn’t care about borders, languages, or politics. It’s a universal force—one that can bridge gaps, transform lives, and, as we recently witnessed in Northern Ireland, bring together schoolchildren from Draperstown with rap-infused rhythms straight from the streets of Cali, Colombia.
Enter The Mr Klaje Collective, a group of musicians who do more than just play songs—they use music as a tool for reconciliation and transformation. In their home city of Cali, they’ve helped former gang members find common ground through melody and movement. And now, thanks to a partnership with the British Council and Queen’s University Belfast, they’ve extended that mission to a group of P5 pupils in St Mary’s Primary School.
When the Beat Drops in Draperstown
Picture this: a group of nine-year-olds, who probably never thought they’d be rapping in Spanish, suddenly vibing with Latin-infused beats. These kids weren’t just learning music; they were stepping into a whole new cultural experience. For young musicians like Saorla—who already shreds on the harp, piano, violin, and whistle—it was another notch in her musical belt. And for others like Yusuf and Olcán, it was a fresh take on what music can be: a global conversation where rhythm is the only language you need.
“It was cool and nice to listen to some different music,” Yusuf said. You don’t need a chart-topping review to know he felt that one.
The Fight for Music in Schools
Despite how obvious it is that music can be transformative, it’s still constantly being pushed to the fringes of school curricula. The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) has already flagged concerns that arts subjects like music are getting squeezed out of primary school schedules. And let’s be real—this isn’t just a Northern Ireland problem. Schools worldwide are slashing budgets for music programs, leaving kids without an outlet that could spark creativity, boost confidence, and even improve mental health.
But this visit from The Mr Klaje Collective is proof that music isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s a way for kids to express themselves, explore different cultures, and, frankly, have a damn good time.
More Than a Jam Session
This wasn’t just about letting kids bang on drums for an afternoon. It was about showing them that music is a gateway—to understanding, to connection, to something bigger than themselves. The classroom assistant who jumped in to sing and dance with the students wasn’t just having fun; she was embodying the very essence of what music does: it invites everyone in, no matter their age, language, or background.
And if a Colombian rap group can bring together a room full of schoolchildren in rural Northern Ireland, just imagine what else is possible when we start seeing music not just as entertainment, but as a force for real change.
So, to the schools out there still debating whether to prioritize music education: take notes from St. Mary’s Primary. Let the kids drum, rap, sing, and dance. Because the beat doesn’t just go on—it builds bridges.
