Layering syncopated rhythms to accompany a song
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can play a syncopated rhythm to accompany a song.
Key learning points
- There are many drums played in West Africa, inclduing the dundunba, sangban, and kenkeni forming the mande drum enemble.
- Kuku is a rhythm from Guinea that can be played on two or more drums.
- We can use rhythm grids to decode syncopated rhythms.
- We can sing to a syncopated accmpaniment.
Keywords
Djembe - a goblet-shaped drum originating from West Africa, played with hands
Kuku - a rhythm from Guinea, West Africa, that can be played on two or more drums
Syncopation - rhythms that emphasise the beats that are usually weaker
Drum break - a specific phrase played by the lead drummer to signal starting, stopping, or changing a rhythm
Common misconception
A commonly misused, generalised term is ‘African drumming’.
A popular drum from West Africa is the djembe, which is frequently referred to as ‘African drumming’. By looking specifically at Guinea, in West Africa, we can see there are many types of drum in one country within the continent of Africa.
Teacher tip
Using three different sounding drums (or untuned percussion) will work well in this lesson. Finding a low, a medium, and a slighter higher pitched sound will let us hear the rhythm clearly. Body percussion can work too. If you are using djembes, allow time to explore the bass, tone, and slap sounds.
Equipment
Hand drums available to you, djembes, and/or classroom percussion available. It may even be possible to hire a mande drum ensemble set from your music hub.
Licence
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