Dharavi rocks to a different beat

This is music from the streets," explains Vinod Shetty, founder of Acorn (India), an NGO. "I think that's why the kids identify with it, even though it's completely new to them. Today was a huge success!"

The music he talks of -- which some believe is hardly music at all -- is beatboxing: a style of vocal percussion where performers use only their mouths and vocal chords to imitate drums and other instruments.

Though vocal percussion is as old as any form of music, modern beatboxing is heavily associated with hip-hop culture. The kids are residents of Mumbai's Dharavi, known to the world as Asia's largest slum, many the children of ragpickers.

The success was round one of Dharavi Rocks -- a tie-up between Acorn and popular Mumbai live music venue Blue Frog -- which promises to bring six live international-style performances to Dharavi. Dharavi Rocks is all part of Shetty's grand vision to bring respect to Dharavi's estimated 15 lakh residents, particularly its rag pickers and their children, for whom opportunities are often very few.

"I want to emphasise Dharavi's tremendous contribution to Mumbai," he explains. "Ragpickers are green collar workers, involved in environmentally friendly practices. Are they recognised properly by the government for their work? No. Would Mumbai become one big rubbish heap if they stopped their work? Yes."

The first Dharavi Rocks event was held on April 29 at Dharavi's Nature Park. It was headlined by London-based beatbox quintet, The Boxettes, and also featured a spirited performance by Norway-based beatbox king Julian, aka Droolian.

First, the foreign beatboxers gave the Dharavi youngsters a quick lesson on beatbox basics. Within minutes, a cacophony of sputtering lips, clicked tongues, bass beats and imitated hi-hats had erupted, accompanied by much laughter.

The many parents in attendance must have felt a mix of shock and pride to see their children conversing easily in English with their foreign guests, while also trying out the tongue-twisting beatbox techniques

And when the foreigners' performances started, the children were itching to get onstage -- not only to show off their new vocal skills, but also to showcase their hip hop-style dancing, which is apparently big with Dharavi's youth.

Kaseem, a 14-year-old Dharavi resident, says that for years he and his friends have been doing hip hop-influenced dancing and imitating Michael Jackson's crazier moves. Now, they plan to add beatboxing to their repertoire. "I found it very nice, the music we made. It had a lot of energy and speed. It's perfect dancing music."

It wasn't a learning experience for only the Dharavi kids. The foreign performers, too, learned quite a bit.

"This is a life-altering experience for me," said Harriet Syndercombe-Court, a 21-year-old member of The Boxettes. "None of us have been to India before. It's just a fascinating place, something I'll never forget."

Norwegian beatboxer Droolian agrees. "I find these Asian megacities so incredible. I've had a really enjoyable experience, and can't wait to see more of the country." And how about the kids? "They were incredible!" he exclaims.

"They really got up there and let loose. It seemed like they enjoyed the lessons and the performances. And some of them have some really good dance moves!"