In this week’s online class we meet West African polyrhythms, learning how cool even the youngest kids can sound when they drum three beats at the same time as their friends drum four. We do this as we sing “Bale Ile,” our take on this Nigerian hit.
Tag Archives | Polyrhythms
Ewe Drumming — Ghana’s Pure Polyrhythms
Our musical adventure in Ghana begins as it should, with the rhythms of the Ewe.
The Ewe people of West Africa — Ghana, Togo, Benin and more — are revered for their traditional drumming and music, much of which features multiple rhythms that playfully cross one another throughout expansive and energetic drumming sessions. In this video our Ewe friends, performing music at a funeral, demonstrate the Agbadza rhythm.
You Can’t Beat Olatunji, so Join Him
We end this week’s deep dive into Nigeria with Babatunde Olatunji, whose “Drums of Passion” brought African rhythmic drumming to an international audience for decades.
Babatunde Olatunji traveled the world as an ambassador for the powerful music of his native Nigeria, inspiring generations of percussionists. One of his most-widely known songs is his performance of “Akiwowo.”
We had grand fun in Nigeria. Next week we head to Central Africa where we meet two Congos.
