- Title: Gahu-Traditional African Dance
- Performer(s): KORYE Dance Theater in Cape Coast, Ghana
- Culture or Origin: Ewe people of Ghana
- Orchestration:
1) gankogui: two tone iron bell
2) axatse: African gourd shaker
3) boba: lead/master drum
4) sogo: low-pitched accompaniment drum
5) kidi: medium-pitched accompaniment drum
6) kagan: high-pitched accompaniment drum - I took an African drumming class last summer that focused on the Ewe people of Ghana. Gahu is one style of music that is performed by the Ewe people and is based on a traditional style of Ewe music but with a much faster tempo and was described to me as "party" music. I feel Gahu is a great example of how "people make music meaningful and useful in their lives." (Wade, 2013, p. 1). The Ewe people took traditional music of their people and "modernized" it to fit their more current needs. They took the music that is "meaningful" to there culture and made it fun and useful for them now. I think this is the case with most music and why people study world music to see how music has evolved in other cultures not just the one they know best.
Reference
Wade, B. (2013). Thinking Musically: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture (3rd ed.). New York, New York: Oxford University Press.
This is great that you have a background in this type of music. If I had picked this, I would have been at a complete loss for which drums were which. I'm planning to keep a reference of your blog around so that I can access which drums are which later. Is the music for a specific kind of party? How often is it performed? What is modernized about it from their traditional music? Thanks for a very interesting video!
ReplyDeleteThe African culture fascinates me. I am curious about the meaning of the celebration of this music. Specifically, is there a cultural similarity with the clothing? Is there a cultural significance to the vocals, or are they more about the sound and less about the meaning as American Indian music sometimes demonstrates.
ReplyDeleteMark,
DeleteUsually the clothing is specific to each culture - but if the performance is more concert style, the clothing can be more costume. Yes, the words mean something. Katie, can you find the translation?
Katie,
ReplyDeleteI think you should copy/paste your instrument list and pass it around to the class. It is clear and concise. Melody is smart to keep it for reference.
I have a PDF of all the info from my African Drumming Class. That's where I got all the names…when I get a fee minute, I will try to post it!
Delete