Kuku - djembe and dundun parts
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the context of the Kuku rhythm and can replicate the different parts using untuned percussion.
Key learning points
- The Kuku rhythm is performed to celebrate the return of the women from fishing expeditions.
- Kuku has many variations in performance but it is based around two djembe parts and three dundun parts.
- The parts are highly syncopated and, when played together, create exciting polyrhythms.
- Grid notation can be used to help understand how the syncopated rhythms are counted.
- Performing a Kuku rhythm with syncopation.
Keywords
Kuku - a dance song, celebrating the return of the women from fishing expeditions
Syncopation - a rhythm that emphasises (accents) notes in between the main beats, sometimes referred to as 'off-beat'
Kenkeni - the highest pitch dundun; this often keeps the pulse by playing on the beat
Sangban - the middle pitch dundun; this plays more complex rhythms
Dundunba - the lowest pitch dundun; this plays a more traditional bass drum role, accenting the strong beats
Common misconception
The rhythm is the definitive version of the Kuku rhythm.
There are different versions of this piece from both Guinea and the Ivory Coast. There are also local versions within each of these. This version is a guide and can be adapted to suit your local context.
Teacher tip
If the rhythms are too complex they can be adapted. You can take individual parts of each rhythm and use these as a basis for a composition-based set of lessons, developing pupils' own rhythms alongside the first djembe part or a dundun part. The performance will work without the dundun parts.
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
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