Alex Dayo, who has been running The Drumming School for 17 years

A MUSIC school is facing an uncertain future after nearly two decades working with the community.

The Drumming School, run out of a small building in Finsbury Park, first opened in 2008.

It has taught hundreds of people from Islington, and further afield, traditional African, Caribbean, and Latin drumming.

Alex Dayo, a master drummer who has been running the school for 17 years, said: “I’ve taught people from every level, some have become professionals, they’ve gone on to teach in schools. Some people get a better life, this is part of why we are proud.”

Mr Dayo first set up the school after he heard drums being played when he would take his son to the playground in Finsbury Park, after arriving in the UK from Burkina Faso.

He told the Tribune: “With my background, traditionally, I come from a country where music is part of everyday life.

“I have been drumming all my life and grew up involved with all the rituals we do to become a master drummer. The drum represents everything on our culture.

“When I came to London in 2007, I was coming to the park with my child and I heard the drums and it reminded me of my tradition.”

Originally Mr Dayo was running the classes out of Finbury Park Art Club, but when it was closed two years ago, the group moved to the building next door which is operated by Furtherfield.

The arts charity is now relocating from London, leaving the Drumming School worried about its future.

Mr Dayo has taught hundreds of people from Islington, and further afield

“I’ve been really impacted by what’s going on here, the uncertainty, it’s been really stressing me out,” said Mr Dayo. “But it’s not about me, it’s more about the legacy, it’s about the community.”

Munya Jumo, who has been a student at the school for four years, said closure would be “devastating”.

He told the Tribune: “It would be such a loss of a community, there aren’t many places where people can drop in anytime and play instruments together, whether you can pay or not.

“It would be devastating to me and every other student. It would be a huge loss.”

Cllr Emily Arkell, Haringey Council’s culture chief, said: “It is wrong to suggest the Drumming School are being immediately displaced. It is the case that Furtherfield are relocating outside London, but the Drumming School’s activities will continue at the building for the foreseeable future.

“What we want to do is improve this section of the park by making it safer and more accessible and are undertaking a master planning exercise to achieve this aim which builds on our boundaries and entrances review of Finsbury Park.

“As part of this exercise, we will engage extensively with residents and stakeholders, including the Drumming School, so they can help shape our future plans for this corner of the park.”