The Cahang: A Percussion Instrument Inspired by Feedback - Part 5
Kobe Proesmans
8/15/20244 min read
A New Instrument: Not Just an Idea
Creating a new musical instrument is not an easy task. It often starts with an idea that is then developed and tested. What is especially important is to investigate whether the instrument you have in mind actually adds something unique to the musical world. That is why it is crucial to consult professional musicians. You pluck up courage and make contact.
The Story of Kobe Proesmans
In the search for a percussionist in heart and soul, I did not know how to get there. Especially not because I am not in this world myself. After a lot of research and watching countless videos, one person came into my sights: Kobe Proesmans. I wanted to reach him. He once told me in a conversation that he is a professional tinkerer. But he is much more than that.
Kobe is a Belgian percussionist, drummer, teacher and composer. He discovered the drums at the age of 16. He studied drums for three years at the Jazz Studio in Antwerp. Here he found his love for percussion, but also for sound effects. He further immersed himself in Latin American percussion in Havana, Cuba.
Due to his passion and professionalism, he has worked with numerous artists, including Gabriel Rios, Zita Swoon, Arno, Bart Peeters, Raymond Van het Groenewoud, Tony Allen, Kodo and many others. He is co-founder of The Colorist Orchestra, which is always looking for new registers and timbres for popular music. He also contributes to various theatre productions and works with choreographer Iris Bouche. He teaches the dance masterclass Percussive Thinking to dancers and musicians. Kobe is active in the Belgian and international music scene.
I sent a message with our story on 17 July, and assumed that this busy bee would not have time. But on 24 July I received a message: “Always welcome to drop by, I am curious.”
We made an appointment on 15 August. The weather was nice and we were welcomed in his beautiful garden. His open face immediately put us at ease. It felt like we were visiting a good friend.
We had three instruments with us: the one we started with on our tour with percussionists, a second modified version with the first input we had already received, and the third, the prototype of the current Cahang.
All three instruments were tested. The rhythms and sounds came out as if it was nothing. But with our last prototype he could not stop strumming. He noticed it himself and said to us: “Yes, sorry, but when I have a good instrument in my hands, I can hardly stop.” He had no real negative comments; on the contrary, he only saw advantages. He called it a gap in the market and found it unique, based on a Cajon, but still a completely new instrument. This instrument had to have a proper name! He wanted to be kept informed anyway.
Kobe’s Influence
Kobe’s influence on the development of the Cahang cannot be underestimated. His honest feedback and enthusiasm have helped us to refine and perfect the instrument. His comments and suggestions have had the greatest influence on the final shape of the Cahang. Thanks to his input, we have been able to create an instrument that is not only unique, but also meets the high demands of professional musicians.
Kobe’s involvement and support have motivated us to continue and be the best we can be. His passion for music and dedication to his craft have inspired us to do the same. The Cahang is now a reality, thanks in part to Kobe’s valuable contribution.
Of course he also saw that we still had work to do on the finishing touches, the finishing touches, and so on. After a good hour we left, and before we left Kobe came up with the name Cahang…
On the way home Ward and I were very excited and satisfied about this visit. The name Cahang stuck and, as you know, it has become the effective name of our instrument.
A few months later, our prototype is finished, and Jan Valkenborgh is thinking about using our instrument on the Fixkes’ theatre tour. We meet up with Kobe Proesmans again to present the end result.Just like last time, he is crazy about the instrument, and he thinks that some videos should definitely be made of it. And so it happened that we meet up with Jan Valkenborgh and Kobe Proesmans to make the first videos of the Cahang, played by both of them.
