If you think you’ve seen it all when it comes to musical prodigies, think again.
Because Ibni Rocks is here to break all records. As a session drummer, handpan player, pianist, composer, vocalist, and yes, even a magician, Ibni has taken handpan admirers by storm. Oh, and did we mention he’s ten?
This isn’t just a “cute kid does music” moment. This is the real deal.
Ibni started drumming at three and made his concert debut at seven with the Master Drummers of Ghana. Since then, he’s drummed in circuses, jammed with musical heavyweights, and played festivals across Europe.
Ibni Rocks: The Kid Who Plays Like a Legend
Ibni creates full-bodied sonic experiences. He’s shared stages with Kabecao, Alexandre Lora, Mumi, Daniel Waples, Alexandre Lora, Yarden Jeffrey, Mobius Loop, and others. He opened for The Gulls in Bristol on The Robin Hood Tour in 2023 and has rocked stages from Belgium to Austria.
His Infinity album tour is making waves, but it’s not ordinary music… he’s out there making connections with listeners. While playing a solo handpan piece, performing close-up card tricks as the magician-in-residence at Cloud Nine Magic, or making art, Ibni knows how to capture the room’s, or in this case, the chapel’s attention.
The Concert: Cello Meets Steel
On May 12, 2025, Ibni hit the stage at Rook Lane Chapel in Frome, Somerset, for a one-night-only handpan and cello concert. He didn’t come alone.
Sharing the spotlight were two other masterful performers:
- Emily Burridge, the one-woman orchestra behind Mellow Cello Music.
- Isaya SÀ Musmin, a handpan artist known for hypnotic, meditative rhythms and vocals.
Together, they created a musical night that combines the ancient, the modern, and the magical.
Ibni and Isaya performed on the enchanting and rare Yishama and PanStream handpans. Emily’s cello is a Violectra cello designed by David Bruce Johnson. The cello filled the chapel with warm and lyrical tones that move from classical to cinematic. Emily also integrated the use of looping pedals to create multi track harmonies and rhythms in a live setting.
Expect the unexpected. But here’s a clue: This was an “unpicking” concert, a slow journey of harmony, emotion, and energy.
New to Handpan? No Worries!
If you’ve never heard a handpan live, you’re in for a treat. Imagine a UFO made of sound, resonating with earthy, melodic pulses. Played with the hands, this instrument combines rhythm and melody… it’s no genre and every genre all at once.
Ibni teaches handpan workshops across the UK and Europe. His “How Two People Can Play One Handpan” series has become a fan favourite. His workshops, ranging from beginner group sessions to advanced residential retreats, are always sold out.
People don’t just want to hear the handpan. They want to touch it, learn it, live it.
Everyone who attended Rook Lane Chapel, heard why this instrument has sparked a global movement.
Say Hello to the Mello Cello
Emily Burridge’s cello performances tell stories. She’s a composer, arranger, session musician, and founder of the Indigenous People’s Cultural Support Trust. Her sound is atmospheric and soulful. Think Bach meets the rainforest. Think classical training with an edge. She has solo improvisations to full-blown soundscapes, and these performances pull you in and refuse to let go. Her composition “Sisters in the Forest” is already making waves in progressive music circles.
Completing the Trio: Isaya’s Handpan with a Heart
Isaya SÀ Musmin rounds up the trio with her signature stillness and groove. Her playing invites you to slow down. Breathe. Listen. It’s the kind of music that feels like meditation without ever being dull. Her goal is to explore, play and share her innervoice, where music and art have always been her best friend. Isaya comes from a dance, fashion and lyricist background. The most known song is Precious Little Diamond.
Together, these three artists performed for one hour and fifteen minutes of pure, heart-driven sound. No filler, no fluff.
Why You Should Attend Handpan Concert: Alone or with Friends
Because it’s not just about music. It’s about expression. Collaboration. Pushing boundaries. You’ll leave the concert feeling joy, peace, and the sudden urge to buy a handpan.
Concert tickets can range from £10.00 – £50.00. For a night of world-class performance in a gorgeous setting, it’s a steal.
Conclusion
Ibni, Emily, and Isaya were all geared up. Or rather, keyed up. They set the vibe like no other. It was truly a power combination.
Somerset was shaken up. It was one night. Three artists. Infinite sound.
