Skip to content
Skip to content
Teachers
Go to pupils
View unit
New
New
Lesson 3 of 6

Kuku - structure and solo parts

I can play the Kuku rhythm with the different sections, including a solo.

View unit
Lesson 3 of 6
New
New

Kuku - structure and solo parts

I can play the Kuku rhythm with the different sections, including a solo.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The structure of Kuku includes various different sections.
  2. The call arrives between every section.
  3. Part 3 contains solos which are performed by the djembefola. These can be prepared or improvised.
  4. The piece ends with an échauffement which is used to speed up or signal the end of the performance.
  5. Preparing a performance of the full Kuku structure which includes a prepared or improvised solo.

Keywords

  • Call - a phrase that signals a piece is going to start, change or end

  • Échauffement - a phrase that is used to build to the climax of a piece

  • Break - a short phrase that breaks up the main rhythms

  • Solo - a featured part of a composition played by one person

  • Improvisation - creating music on the spot

Common misconception

The solo section has to be made up in the moment.

The solo section can use ideas that are already planned. This is a good starting point for adding solos to build confidence and then build up to doing improvised ideas.

When improvising, allow pupils to make mistakes and express themselves and praise anything that worked, no matter how small. Teach as a whole class or break down into smaller groups with more able pupils taking the lead. Take the time to recap the rhythms before introducing the échauffement section.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Djembe and dunduns can be replaced with bass, mid and treble versions of any untuned percussion. You can also use cupped hands (bass), palm clap (tone) and full clap (slap) as an alternative.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

Skip lesson video

Loading...

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is syncopation?

An 'on beat' rhythm that emphasises (accents) notes on the main beats.
A constantly changing rhythm that emphasises (accents) no particular notes.
Correct answer: An 'off beat' rhythm that emphasises (accents) notes in between the main beats.
An 'up beat' rhythm that gets faster each bar

Q2.
What is Kuku?

Correct answer: a dance
Correct answer: a rhythm
a type of drum
a country in West Africa

Q3.
refers to how fast or slow the music is

Correct Answer: Tempo

Q4.
The Kenkeni dundun part plays

the syncopation
the off beats
Correct answer: the pulse
the rests

Q5.
Many different rhythms parts that fit together creates a

Correct Answer: polyrhythm, polyrhythms

Q6.
A piece of music with 4 beats in the bar would be counted in with beats

2
3
Correct answer: 4
5

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is used as an ending phrase for the climax of a piece?

call
break
Correct answer: echauffement
solo
improvisation

Q2.
A featured part of a composition played by one person is a

Correct Answer: solo

Q3.
The phrase that signals a piece is going to start, change or end is know as the

Correct Answer: call

Q4.
Kenkeni, Sangban and Dundunba are played by which African drum?

djembe
Correct answer: dundun
apitua
snare
surdo

Q5.
What is the term for creating music on the spot?

Correct Answer: improvisation, improvising

Q6.
Which of these are common features of solos in African drumming?

Correct answer: improvisation
written down
simple rhythms
Correct answer: complex rhythms
Correct answer: syncopation

Lesson appears in

UnitMusic / Djembe drumming and rhythms from the regions of West Africa

Music

Show unit