36. Richard Rattos

Richard Rattos and The Drifters

In 1963, The Drifters, in Kampala, Uganda, was started by Richard Rattos (guitar and vocals), Michael Rattos (guitar, bass), Clifton Carrasco (drums) and Magnus Fernandes (vocals, bass). As teenagers they were a solid band and went on to win fans all around East Africa including the musical mecca of Nairobi. Most polished Nairobi musicians recognised in The Drifters a band to

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Richard Rattos, made in Kampala, Uganda, swinging in Sydney, Australia.

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be reckoned with and respected. In 1966, Clifton Carrasco went on to further his studies and a third Rattos brother, Eddie, replaced him as the drummer.

They recorded their version of the Swahili favourite Malaika. The band was disbanded in 1968 when Richard went to Ireland for further studies.

Just a few of The Drifters gigs: Kampala Club, Kampala; G I Jinja; G I Silver Springs; Tororo Rock Hotel; Lake Victoria Hotel; Free Masons; Lions Club; Aga Khan Club; Rugby Club; Nairobi G I; Lake Naivasha Sailing Club; Entebbe Club; Apollo Hotel; Horizons Kololians; Nairobi Gymkhana; National Theatre (competition); Norman Cinema (competition) and lots of other gigs.

Long before 1963, Richard R had been teaching himself the guitar and singing along to his own accompaniment. Some 54 years later, he is still the consummate professional wowing crowds wherever he hits on those strings and fires into the Rock N Roll microphone. He has guested, jammed with and starred in too many bands and gigs to remember. The wonderful thing about this guy is that he rarely has an off day. Again and again he gives his all, total professionalism. Half century is a long time for a musician to ply his trade, wonderful that Richard can give his best every time he fronts up in Sydney or around Australia. Rock On, Dude.

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