Context and technique in West African drumming
I can describe the main techniques used on the djembe and dunduns, and their sonorities.
Context and technique in West African drumming
I can describe the main techniques used on the djembe and dunduns, and their sonorities.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The sixteen countries that make up West Africa each have their own drumming traditions and styles.
- Common instruments used are djembe, apitua and dunduns, which consist of the kenkeni, sangban and dundunba.
- The djembe has three main sounds - bass, tone and slap.
- The call begins and ends a piece, brings in new parts and uses just tone.
- We have created a short rhythmic performance using typical techniques from the drumming traditions of West Africa.
Keywords
Djembe - a goblet-shaped hand drum originating in West Africa
Bass, tone and slap - the low, medium and high pitched strikes on the djembe
Dunduns - three bass drums (kenkeni, sangban and dundunba) that create an accompanying bass line for the djembe
Apitua - an iron bell playing a distinct rhythm alongside the dunduns
Common misconception
You must use the given rhythms.
The rhythms used are variations on traditional accompaniments that are passed down orally across generations. At this stage, any rhythm can be used as a starting point for getting pupils making music but this example covers the required techniques.
Equipment
Djembe and dunduns or hands or any high, medium and low pitched percussion.
Licence
Lesson video
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