Seman Abishek lives at the Mattakuliya settlement with his family and is a regular at the weekly music classes. His cheeky grin is an outward expression of his positive attitude to life. The cheerful 10-year old talks to us about music, drums and who he thinks is the best student in his class.

Dhow Foundation (DF) – How old are you?

Seman Abishek – I’m almost 10 years.

DF – How long have you been playing music at this programme?

SA – 2 months

DF – Do you have a favorite instrument?

SA – I play the drums

DF – Do you know to play any songs yet?

SA – Yeah we play ‘Are you sleeping’, ‘Dum tak ka tek’ (on the drums), the National Anthem and some others.

DF – Who do you think is the best student in the class?

SA – I’m the best. Who else could it be?

DF – Have you made new friends at this class with whom you hang out outside class hours?

SA – Yeah we all know each other well now. We play cricket at the park. I’m the best at that also.

DF – What do you think can be done better? What else would you like to do during class? Any ideas?

SA – I like the class. Maybe we can do a show. Or go to the other settlement and teach them how to play well like us.