How scrap band Dabba Beat’s recycled rhythm is winning over fans

Meet Dabba Beat, a children's band from Thrissur creating music from scrap objects, gaining fame for their unique talent.

A motely crew of children are jamming, drumming away on their improvised instruments while one of them vocalises a popular 90s hit number ‘Azhakiya Laila’. Meet Dabba Beat, a children’s band from Thrissur, which makes music out of scrap buckets, pots, wooden slabs, sticks, plastic water bottles and other everyday objects. 

Videos of them jamming outdoors are often trending on social media, and they have featured on popular reality shows in Kerala and outside the State. Their version of Arabic kuthu from Vijay’s Beast, was shared by its composer Anirudh Ravichander, catapulting this band of drummer boys to instant fame. 

But it all started as an impromptu session during the first Covid-19 lockdown, says Indrajit P C, who coordinates the band. “Most of these children live in the same neighbourhood in Kollannur in Thrissur district and we would get together in our free time, just jamming. I filmed a session and uploaded it on social media, only to be flooded with praise for the boys’ talent. We realised the potential and formed a band, calling it Dabba Beat,” says Indrajit. 

Dabba Beat today is a 17-member band, which performs shows across Kerala and outside. The band has drummers and vocalists and it tries everything from viral hits to melodious film songs. “It is the support of the people that we truly cherish,” says Adarsh Babu, 16, a Plus-Two student and vocalist in the band. “We meet almost every other day to practise and we always try out something that is new,” says Adarsh whose favourite songs include ‘Thala’ from Chotta Mumbai, Job Kurien’s ‘Padayathra’, and ‘Badass’ from Vijay starrer-Leo. Adarsh also plays the drums.  

What is especially endearing about Dabba Beats’ music is that it recreates complex rhythms from rudimentary instruments. Most of the drum sets consist of water cans and paint buckets turned upside down. “We stick to recycled rhythm and the band members don’t shy away from trying some of the most challenging numbers on this,” adds Indrajit.

Sreehari KM, who plays the wooden plank, says he is proud to be a part of the band. A Class VI student, he has been playing for the band ever since it was formed. “The love for music binds us and we enjoy performing,” he adds.

Though people have volunteered to sponsor musical instruments, they stick to their identity of being a scrap band. However, keyboards and violins are added to their repertoire for performances.