THE MUSICIAN behind the hypnotic sound that will drive Dundu the giant through Weymouth has said there was an 'intense' atmosphere during last night's performance - and he expects the same again tonight.

Yesterday evening, crowds were dazzled by the Whitley Bay-based drumming team Worldbeaters and the lit-up, man-shaped, giant puppet Dundu.

READ MOREInside Out Dorset 2021 brings Sense of Unity as Dundu puppet parades through Weymouth

The Dundu is set to stroll through the streets of Weymouth again this evening - to the music from a west African harp called a Kora, played by Stefan Charisius.

Dorset Echo: West African Kora harp player Stefan Charisius. Pic: Sam McKeownWest African Kora harp player Stefan Charisius. Pic: Sam McKeown

The musician said: "There was an intense atmosphere in Weymouth last night and I expect the same again.

"We were ecstatic about the huge crowd that turned up yesterday.

"Dorset people seem to be very open to this type of art. It's unique and visually beautiful.

"The giant light figure Dundu is harmonic with the west African music that I play, but that can only be achieved by the hard-working puppeteers. It's a very strong harmony.

"The Dundu works with the UK artists The Worldbeaters. When they play their amazing sound, the visuals of the giant Dundu gives off a sense of forward marching. However, when the Dundu is seen by only listening to the Kora harp - it gives off a more peaceful vibe. It's wonderful and seldom.

"What's interesting is when viewed at night people just see the giant Dundu walking through the streets with people forgetting the puppeteers are there - and that fantasy happened last night.

"This shows that everyone is an artist because they are using their imaginations and believe what they are seeing is real."

Mr Charisius has been playing the ancient west African harp since 1995.

He said: "The harp originates from ancient west Africa. These type of instruments would go on to inspire modern instruments, which would launch modern blues."

The show will again feature the Worldbeaters and the Dundu alongside the five puppeteers, which will make their way through the town.

The Met Office said the weather this evening is expected to be cloudy with high temperatures of 16°C.

The parade this evening will start at 7.30pm in St Edmund Street and go down St Edmund Street, then St Mary Street, crossing junctions with St Alban Street and Bond Street, and ending at the Jubilee Clock Tower on The Esplanade.

Parade route

Dorset Echo: St Edmund StreetSt Edmund Street

Dorset Echo: St Mary StreetSt Mary Street

Dorset Echo: crossing junctions with St Alban Street and Bond Streetcrossing junctions with St Alban Street and Bond Street

 

Dorset Echo: Jubilee Clock Tower on The EsplanadeJubilee Clock Tower on The Esplanade