Queen's Jubilee song features musicians from all over the world
18th May 2012
Gary Barlow has travelled the world collecting recordings of musicians from the Commonwealth to feature in a new song for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
'Sing', the song written by Gary Barlow and Andrew Lloyd Webber for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee had its first public airing this morning on BBC Radio 2. The song will be released by Decca Records on 28 May and performed live at the Diamond Jubilee Concert on 4 June.
As well as featuring Prince Harry's tambourine playing and the voices of the Military Wives Choir, 'Sing' showcases lesser known musicians from Commonwealth countries. Here's a few you can listen out for, along with some useful links to get you started planning your own trip to the home of these musicians.
Kenya
Kenya's Slum Drummers are an innovative band who build their drums, xylophones and other instruments out of scrap metal and objects found in dumpsters. Based in the Dagoretti settlement in Nairobi, the Slum Drummers use music to work with young people, encouraging them to stay away from drugs and go to school.
If you're planning a visit to Kenya, we've selected a few articles to help you along your way. Nairobi by bus? Here's one traveller's account of this journey. Fancy scaling the heights of Kilimanjaro? Then read this article. If a visit to the city's new urban forest appeals to you then click here. Or, to come face to face with the animals of Nairobi National Park, take a look at this.
Jamaica
As well as meeting Prince Harry in Jamaica, Gary Barlow, who travelled the world making recordings for the song, recorded The Jolly Boys. Formed in 1955, this band defined the mento and calypso musical traditions in Jamaica and saw international success in the 1980s and 1990s.
Barlow was kept busy in Jamaica, also making recordings with guitarist Earnest Ranglin and reggae outfit Sly Dubar and Robbie Shakespeare.
To get a taste of Jamaica's lively music scene for yourself visit Port Antonio, the home of The Jolly Boys. Read our alternative guide to the Caribbean to plan your trip.
Australia
The blind Australian aboriginal singer Gurrumul has risen to fame in recent years finding success in an international market beyond the world music industry. With a powerfully emotive voice he is known for his songs sung in the Gumatj dialect about identity, spirit and connection with the land.
If you're interested in learning more about Aboriginal culture on your travels of Australia, we've got plenty of articles to help you along the way.
Get a glimpse of Aboriginal life with Desert Tracks. Read our traveller's guide to the outback. Go remote and click here to read our article on Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. Travel across Australia's aboriginal heartland on the great Ghan railway. Alternatively, check out our Northern Territory micro-site here.