Rhythms
Rhythmic Cycles & Polyrhythms – Part 2
An African drumming rhythm is typically composed of several parts, played on different drums and other percussion instruments. All these individual parts, when put together make up what we call, “The rhythm”. In order to fully understand the rhythm and play it correctly and with confidence, we need to first learn each part separately, and …
History Of The Kpanlogo Dance and Rhythm – Part 2
In Part 2 Otu Lincoln continues to relate the stories that inspired him to create the Kpanlogo dance and rhythm.
The History Of The Kpanlogo Dance and Rhythm Part 1
The Kpanlogo rhythm and dance is arguably the most popular and well known dance in Ghana. It is so popular that it has given its name to one of the traditional Ghanaian drums, the Tweshi, which is now known as the Kpanlogo drum. Many people don’t realise that this is not a traditional rhythm and …
The History Of The Kpanlogo Dance and Rhythm Part 1 Read More »
Three Conga Improvisation in 6/8 – Video
This video is an improvisation of a groove in 6/8 based on Cuban, African and Sri Lankan influences. I use three Conga Drums on this rhythm. Conga Drums originated in Africa but this modern version of the African Drum developed after they were introduced to Cuba. The rhythm reminded me of the street food in …
Rhythmic Cycles and Polyrhythms – Part 1 – Introduction
The rhythms we play in African Drum music are generally played over cycles that repeat over and over again. They have a starting point and a point where they finish and then go back to the start again. Sometimes a rhythm may be completed over just one cycle, but there can be rhythms that take …
Rhythmic Cycles and Polyrhythms – Part 1 – Introduction Read More »
Hearing the Downbeat or Pulse in a Rhythm Cycle
Hearing the downbeat or pulse in a rhythm cycle. What do I mean by the pulse? When most people clap along with a song, they usually clap the pulse or the downbeat. So, let’s take the example of what is referred to as a rhythm in 4/4. We can count and clap 1, 2, 3 …
My First Taste of Music in Ghana
My first taste of traditional African music in Ghana. I’ve been here for three days now. Trying to get my bearings, fighting off jet lag and trying to relax. Plenty of time. I’m here for a few months. No rush. No need to get anxious, too eager to learn. “Let it all sink in”, I …