Kuku - djembe and dundun parts
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these countries are located in West Africa?
Q2.Which of these are African drums?
Q3.How many different sounds does the Djembe make?
Q4.Which drum is used to create an accompanying bass rhythm in African drumming?
Q5.The iron bell that plays a distinct rhythm alongside the drums is known as the
Q6.Bass, tone and are the low, medium and high pitched strikes on the djembe
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Kuku is
Q2.A rhythm that emphasises (accents) notes in between the main beats, sometimes referred to as 'off beat' is called
Q3.Which of the dundun parts is most syncopated?
Q4.Which of the dundun parts plays the pulse?
Q5.Many different rhythms parts that fit together creates a
Q6. notation is a visual form of representing rhythm and pitch
To help you plan your 8 music lesson on: Kuku - djembe and dundun parts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 music lesson on: Kuku - djembe and dundun parts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 music lessons from the Djembe drumming and rhythms from the regions of West Africa unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.