a dance song, celebrating the return of the women from fishing expeditions

a rhythm that emphasises (accents) notes in between the main beats, sometimes referred to as 'off-beat'

the highest pitch dundun; this often keeps the pulse by playing on the beat

the middle pitch dundun; this plays more complex rhythms

the lowest pitch dundun; this plays a more traditional bass drum role, accenting the strong beats

Hand Sounds Video

British English CC

Kuku - Djembe Part 1 Video

Kuku - Djembe Part 2 Video

Kuku - Djembe Break Video

Kuku - Djembe Full Rhythm Video

Task A Djembe Performance Video

Kuku - Kenkeni Part Video

Kuku - Sangban Part Video

Kuku - Dundunba Part Video

Kuku - djembe and dundun parts

Music

Context and technique in West African drumming

Kuku - structure and solo parts

Warabadon - djembe and dundun parts

Warabadon - structure and solo parts

Composing in a Kuku or Warabadon style

Pupils are introduced to drumming from the regions of West Africa, performing as an ensemble and developing their understanding of djembe technique, the structure and musical conventions of the music, how rhythm and tempo are used to create excitement and the culture connected with the music.

Djembe drumming and rhythms from the regions of West Africa

A rhythm that emphasises (accents) notes in between the main beats, sometimes referred to as 'off beat' is called {{}}

Which of the dundun parts is most syncopated?

Which of the dundun parts plays the pulse?

Many different rhythms parts that fit together creates a {{}}

{{}} notation is a visual form of representing rhythm and pitch

Which of these countries are located in West Africa?

How many different sounds does the Djembe make?

Which drum is used to create an accompanying bass rhythm in African drumming?

The iron bell that plays a distinct rhythm alongside the drums is known as the {{}}

Bass, tone and {{}} are the low, medium and high pitched strikes on the djembe

Starter Quiz

Which of these countries are located in West Africa?