Funny hats, bagpipes, dancing drummers and sleeping lions

     Most pipers know that our instruments’ most popular tune (and best paying) is Amazing Grace. Most also know it’s not a real pipe tune. It was, in fact, written by a repentant slave boat captain about the nasty business he was engaged in.  Well, now the Africans have another reason to be upset.  In particular, Solomon Popoli Linda, the South African Zulu musician, composer and singer who wrote “Mbube”, which most of the world knows as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”.  For some reason, bagpipers have discovered the tune and I’ve heard it a few times recently.  Really, pipers! Stick to march, strathspey’s and reels.  However, if you’re going to perform it, why not do what the Claymore Pipes and Drums did – wear funny hats, dance around and get your drum sergeant to generally make a fool of himself.  Have a listen:

Claymore pipes and drums at Munich Caledonians St. Andrews 2009

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