West African Drumming

By: Daniel DeSalles

History One of the oldest instruments in the world

Unity through drums in africa

African language compared to drumming

Drum circles

History Drum communication messages are not

languages alone

Drum communication is based on the Efrican language

East african drum patterns

Communication problems

Dun-Dun Communication through the dun-dun

Drum telepathy

European expeditions and the talking drums.

Traveled 4-5 miles.

Pitch is varied to mimic speech

Slave trade

Gahu Derived Anlo ewe people

Southeastern Ghana

Benin

Anlo ewe fisherman adopted this dance drumming style from Nigerian influences.

Literally translates to “ an airplane taking off”

Gahu Instrumentation

Gonkagwe- two tone iron bell

axatse -african gourd shaker

Boba drum Keader/master drum. Guides entire ensemble

Sogo drum Low pith, accompany drum

Kidi drum Medium pitch accomapny drum

Kagen drum High pitch accompany drum. Timeline

instrument

Djembe Traditionally played by men. Rare to see a

women playing it in Africa.

Goat skin drumhead

Goblet shape drum

Rope tune

Played with bare hand

Translates to everyone gather together in peace

Djembe

Attribution

http://www.african-drumming.co.uk/

http://www.dancedrummer.com/

http://wadabo.com/

http://www.ehow.com/about_5447619_african-drums.html

http://djembefola.com/drumming.php