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Journalism of Courage
By Suyash Gabriel
A wave of silent anticipation washed over the CD Deshmukh Auditorium as Carlos Fernando Balanta took to his throne behind an elaborate drum kit. A grand contraption complete with congas, hi-hats, cowbells, a bass guitar and Marimbas, Balanta’s drum kit told a story of its own. With a gentle nod and a wide smile, Balanta began an electric but subdued Latin groove on his congas, keeping the audience reigned in, and when he sensed the moment was right, he moved his left hand to the fret-board of his bass guitar, which was mounted on a stand, and picked up a mallet with his right hand, unleashing a blend of rhythm and melody that filled the auditorium, evoking heavy rounds of applause from the audience.
His musical journey began early when he was 12. “I began playing drums and Marimba, and then slowly picked up more instruments. I played with a number of musicians at many festivals and events, both in Colombia and abroad. I realised at some point that I could pull off a one-man show and didn’t look back after,” says the 39-year old.
The hour-long performance was filled with high energy as Balanta executed flawless Latin grooves, introducing elements of samba and Afro-Cuban every so often, and even playing on a balloon, which he did with steal brushes. Balanta not only involved the audience at all stages of the performance, but used them as an integral factor within the performance, urging them to keep clapping as he left his kit, come to the front of the stage, and dance.
As he sang powerful and catchy vocal lines, Balanta usurped the language barrier, managing to convince the entire audience to repeat his Spanish lyrics. The energy was tangible and contagious, and it wasn’t long before the entire auditorium was on its feet, dancing and clapping.
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