Kinshasa children's brass band an eloquent example of music's ability to empower the powerless

Photo: The Guardian

I was deeply touched by a documentary video posted by the Guardian about a brass band made up of children who had all found themselves living in the streets of Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The personal histories of these children are heartbreaking, but their joy and sense of newfound community and hope, as found in literally banding together, is a testament to how collaborative musicmaking can overcome the most seemingly insurmountable of obstacles.

The documentary lasts only 10 minutes, but it made my whole weekend. You can view it here.