RAW Taiko Drummers, an all-Asian, all-womxn taiko group from Canada, are one of the few ensembles of their kind worldwide. Formed as a creative resistance to both systemic and internalised oppression, RAW uses the power of large taiko drums to challenge social inequities and create a space for self-expression, education, and community building.
Our collaboration with RAW began during our online Taiko Talks series, which connected our Irodori LGBTQ+ teens with queer activist taiko players globally amid the pandemic. Inspired by this exchange, RAW proposed an in-person visit to Northern Ireland to work directly with Irodori, lead public workshops, and perform at our festival concert in May 2024. This project was partly funded by Children in Need alongside RAW’s own contributions.
When RAW arrived in Derry, they delivered dynamic workshops for our Irodori Taiko teens and Carers groups, who were thrilled to learn from such spirited and empowering instructors. RAW’s performance at our Foyle Obon festival captivated audiences, who were moved by the intensity and passion of their taiko style, celebrating the power of drum as a tool for social change. Exposure to different taiko styles and cultural expressions is crucial for our performers and community. RAW’s visit brought a unique form of taiko rooted in social activism, allowing our Irodori LGBTQ+ teens, Carers groups, and festival audiences to see taiko not only as music but as a tool for advocacy.
For Irodori teens, learning from RAW opened their eyes to the possibilities of taiko as a medium for self-expression and resilience. This exposure broadened their view of taiko beyond performance, showing how it can reflect personal identity and social issues. RAW’s example inspired many to consider how they could use taiko to tell their own stories.
Festival audiences, including those new to taiko, were captivated by RAW’s powerful style, which combined intense rhythm with a message of inclusion and justice. Many commented on the impact of seeing traditional arts connect so strongly with modern issues, creating an experience that was both engaging and thought-provoking.
This collaboration highlighted the importance of embracing diverse cultural expressions within taiko. For us, it affirmed our commitment to fostering spaces where different voices and styles can come together, enriching our community through shared artistic experiences.