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      Warabadon - structure and solo parts

      I can play the Warabadon rhythm with the different sections, including an improvised solo.

      Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and

      Lesson 5 of 6
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      • Year 8

      Warabadon - structure and solo parts

      I can play the Warabadon rhythm with the different sections, including an improvised solo.

      Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and

      Lesson details

      Key learning points

      1. Warabadon has a structure consisting of different sections.
      2. Part 3 contains improvised solos which are performed by the djembefola and often include fast, complex triplet rhythms.
      3. The solo section of the Warabadon includes polyrhythm.
      4. This is a key feature which creates excitement and a thicker texture in the music.
      5. Performing the full Warabadon structure including an improvised solo.

      Keywords

      • Polyrhythm - the combination of two or more different rhythms at the same time

      • Improvised solo - a featured part of a composition played by one person, where the player makes up the rhythm on the spot

      • Djembefola - the lead drummer

      • Triplets - three notes played in the time it normally takes to play two

      Common misconception

      Improvisation means making something up from nothing

      You can use typical rhythms or features of the style as a basis oof any improvisation. This might mean using an establisehd idea such as a prepared triplet or syncopated rhtyhm and then extending the idea with something made up in the moment.

      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 echauffment 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).

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      Lesson appears in

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