Top musicians lend a hand

Zimbabwean musicians paid a visit to Malmesbury Primary School on Monday to train the children for a performance at WOMAD.

Si Ya Ya visited the school to help prepare for the children's performance on the main stage at the festival at Charlton Park in two weeks time. The band will be joined on stage by 120 children from schools in Malmesbury and the surrounding villages.

Malmesbury Primary chairman of governors Tristan Cork said: "The children absolutely love it although they find it hard work because the singers are top musicians and want it to be absolutely perfect." The children will sing three songs, two of which are sung in native African languages, alongside Si Ya Ya drummers and singers.

Malmesbury Primary School music co-ordinator Angelique Martin said: "I feel that we are very privileged to work with such a talented African band. It's a fantastic opportunity for the children to develop their multicultural awareness." The children will join Si Ya Ya on stage on July 24 in front of a huge audience, before the main festival begins on July 25.