Runners rock to traditional African beats

The 2015 Great Gorilla Run once again rocked to the sounds of Africa as one of the country’s finest world music groups entertained runners and supporters alike.

ACD-Arts were there to see the gorilla-suited runners off and to welcome them back over the finish line after they had completed the tough 8km course through the heart of London. As always, their blend of contemporary and traditional African music, with a focus on melodies and beats from Uganda and the rest of East Africa (home, of course, to the critically-endangered mountain gorillas) was warmly received, with many runners even dancing over the line.

Among some of the traditional African rhythms performed by the band on the day were Zomba, Lingala, Soukous and Khalimba, all sounds visitors are likely to hear when visiting Uganda on a gorilla safari.

Jillian Miller, Executive Director of the Gorilla Organization, has visited the region on countless occasions, and was delighted to hear the traditional sounds of this part of Africa on the big day.

“The Great Gorilla Run is such a fantastic day, bringing gorilla-lovers of all ages together in a bid to help save these incredible creatures from extinction,” she says.

“It’s only appropriate that the event is accompanied by the sounds of the gorillas’ homeland and we are lucky to have one of the country’s finest exponents of traditional Ugandan music come along and support us each year!”

The Great Gorilla Run will return in 2016, with the exact date set to be confirmed shortly. To stay up-to-date with all things related to the run, and to find out about other fun events for conservation, visit the Great Gorilla Run website or sign up to follow us on social media.

For more information on ACD-Arts and traditional Ugandan music in general, visit their website!