Professional Documents
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Drumming:
Drummers from drum ensembles, led by someone
called a 'master drummer', who gives musical cues
(call) in the form of rhythmic patterns, and also plays
elaborate solos. The master drummer is also
responsible for signalling dancers when to change
tempo or dance steps. Drum ensembles feature both
polyrhythms and cross-rhythms (when two conflicting
rhythms are heard together).
A timeline (a short repeated rhythm) is also used in
West-African drumming. It is often played by a single or
double bell, e.g. Gongkogui, to hold the piece together.
Drumming Technique
Most drummers play using their hands.
There are three main different types of
strokes:
Slap - This is when you hit the side of
the drum with your fingers spread out
Tone - This is when you hit the side of
the drum with your fingers together
Bass - This is when you hit the centre
of the drum with a flat palm
Drummers can dampen the sound by
placing one hand on the drum skin.
They may also hit the wooden part of
the drum to produce a contrasting
sound.
Drums
Djembe drum is also called The healing
drum.
It comes from the Mali Empire of west africa it
dates back to the 12th century.
It has a wide tonal range setting it apart from
other drums.
Sakara drum is a hand-held drum made in
Percussion
Gonkogui is a traditional double
Darko
The style is called Asiko
- a fusion of highlife with international pop
The song is about a young man working abroad who
doesnt want to return to his home-town empty-handed