Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Cradle rocker
AT 15 years old, drummer Daniel Petersen
III has already played on world stages such as the World Trade Center in New Orleans,
US, performed at three of the late Nelson Mandela’s birthday celebrations, and had the opportunity to play at an inauguration function for former US president Barack
Obama.
With an impressive résumé under his belt, the teenager is now gearing-up to play on home soil at the Jazz in the Cradle concert at the Nirox Sculpture Park in Krugersdorp, Gauteng tomorrow.
His love for music started at the age of one, when he was exposed to it through his father’s drum kit. His dad, Danny Petersen, gave up music as soon as he was born, not knowing that his offspring would pick up the sticks and use them a year later.
“I was very intrigued when I first saw the drum set. I actually thought it was my toy to play with and as a young man I just wanted to play with it constantly. While I was playing, I was also practising without noticing,” said the youngster from Cape Town.
Danno (as he is known on stage), gained admission to the UWC at 11 and afterwards travelled the world. He received various accolades, including the 44th President Barack Obama Lifetime Achievement Award, at 14.
But with so much already achieved, the drummer says his path in music has become clearer and that is to make a change in people’s lives through music.
“I feel blessed daily to have my career path figured out at such a young age. But most importantly it excites me knowing that I am still able to learn from others. I can never stop learning and that is my No 1 goal, to continue to learn from my colleagues, people I get to play with. My goal as a musician is to touch people’s hearts with music,” he adds.
Danno will perform alongside local musicians such as drummer and composer Ayanda Sikade, Nduduzo Makhathini, alto saxophonist Mthunzi Mvubu and Zoe Modiga among the many artists who will deliver jazz music on the day.