Dhol drummer visits stroke rehab ward
Patients and staff at Moseley Hall Hospital enjoyed a special musical treat when internationally renowned bhangra drummer Gurcharan Mall paid a visit to a weekly music group on the stroke rehabilitation ward.
Known internationally as "King G Mall", Gurcharan has spent more than five decades promoting Punjabi music and culture. Through his Dhol Blasters troupe, he has performed around the world, including at the Live 8 concert in 2005 alongside UB40 and at major events such as Commonwealth Games celebrations, the London Marathon and arts festivals across the UK.
During his visit to Ward 8, Gurcharan brought along additional dhol drums and percussion instruments, giving patients and staff the opportunity to learn the basics of drumming and join in the session.
The visit was the brainchild of occupational therapist Tina Eglington after a conversation with patient Abid Iqbal about his career in the Birmingham music industry revealed they shared a mutual friendship with Gurcharan.
Tina explained: “I was chatting to Abid about his musical career and interests, and he mentioned he knew Gurcharan.
“I told him Gurcharan was a friend of mine too - I used to be a dancer and we sometimes performed together, more than two decades ago now!
“Abid asked me to let Gurcharan know he was in Ward 8 so I got in touch and asked him if he would come and entertain Abid and the other patients and he kindly agreed.”
Abid, who has been a patient on Ward 8 for around five months and hopes to be discharged next month, said: “I've been in music promotion for more than 20 years and I first met Gurcharan years ago in Handsworth, where we used to live.
“When I realised he and Tina had performed together, I couldn't believe it. I wanted to help give something back to the patients and staff in the ward. So I asked Tina to reach out to him and he agreed to come.”
Abid added that he has already begun thinking about a follow-up musical event to show his appreciation before he is discharged and has been discussing the possibility of arranging a performance by Sufi musicians in the hospital garden.
Gurcharan generously volunteered his time for the visit and shared the history of the dhol, explaining how the traditional drum originated in the Punjab region of India.
Reflecting on the session, he said: “Love and respect to all the patients on this ward because they're battlers, they're strong, and that's what gets you through hard times in life.
“I want to thank them all - and the staff on Ward 8 - for making today a special day, a day that I will long remember.”
Tina added: “It was such a special occasion for the patients - they were buzzing long after the session had ended; so were most of the staff!
“We’re very grateful to Gurcharan for giving up his time so generously to create such a special, memorable experience.”