Scarborough's Bongo Man and fellow musicians play online gigs to entertain town during pandemic

Every Sundays from 2pm, the members of Bongo Man and his band the Bongomaniacs take it in turns to play a set on Facebook live.

Bongo Man said: "We normally do gigs over the weekends in pubs, clubs and festivals but during the lockdown we're doing it online to try to raise some money for PPE.

"[Performing online] is very strange. I was not on Facebook but I had to join just to do the playing."

Bongo Man is an A and E consultant for the NHS and has lived in Scarborough for the past 16 years.

He explained playing music is a way for himself, and the other members of the band, to unwind and destress.

He continued: "Music is therapy for everyone. We do hard jobs and it's a way to relax. We don't do it for money or anything."

Bongo Man explained the group are planning to continue the virtual gigs until the venues around town are allowed to open again.

He said: "We've got so much material we won't run out."

The music can be viewed live every Sunday via the Beerjam Online - C19 NHS Support! Facebook group and the videos remain on the page aftewards.

During the pandemic Bongo Man has also recorded a video 'Self Isolation Calypso' for his YouTube channel.

The song was written by Gerard McDermott and Dave Kemp, who both have connections to Scarborough, and deals with the importance of self-isolating and protecting the NHS.

Gerard said: "It started off as a bit of a joke, a self-isolation blues, then we decided to do it properly.

"I wanted to keep it light and try and get the message out at the same time."

Also featured on the video, rapping, is actor Don Gilet who is known for appearances on EastEnders and Holby City.

You can watch the Self Isolation Calypso here.A message from the Editor:

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