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Assyrians find their cultural beat with drumming band

A RECENTLY formed group of young drummers is proudly taking on the guardianship of Assyrian culture in southwest Sydney.

Joseph Temmo, Manny Brikha, Fadi Zora, Qusay Kozal, Mario Yousuf and David Yalda of the Assur Kings, an Assyrian drumming group. Picture: Joe Murphy
Joseph Temmo, Manny Brikha, Fadi Zora, Qusay Kozal, Mario Yousuf and David Yalda of the Assur Kings, an Assyrian drumming group. Picture: Joe Murphy

MUSIC is the soul of many cultures: the rhythm of people’s lives, their stories and their history.

The tempo is their celebration of who they are, and their pride in upholding their traditions.

A recently formed group of young drummers is proudly taking on the guardianship of Assyrian culture in southwest Sydney.

Assur Kings have taken their community by storm, and are delighted by the demand for their drumming and folkloric style entertainment.

The Assur Kings are a new drumming group showcasing Assyrian culture. Picture: Joe Murphy
The Assur Kings are a new drumming group showcasing Assyrian culture. Picture: Joe Murphy

“We are the first drumming entertainment group in the world for the Assyrian community,” founder Manny Brikha said.

“We want to help promote and preserve our culture.”

The first Assyrians arrived in Australia in the mid- 1950s, and in 2005 there were almost 20,000 in Sydney, most living in Fairfield.

The wider community got a taste of the upbeat Assur Kings at a flashmob event at Stockland Wetherill Park recently.

Mr Brikha said many loved the experience, as much as the drummers loved performing. There are 20 drummers in the group and there are plans to set up a drumming academy.

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/fairfield-advance/assyrians-find-their-cultural-beat-with-drumming-band/news-story/ac10ecbb60540395dc443ec348c38f96