Music of Sub-Saharan Africa

As I was searching for Sub-Saharan Africa instruments, I found the mbira instrument. According to Wikipedia, the mbira is a traditional instrument created by the Shona people of Zimbabwe. The mbira is made using a wooden board with staggered metal keys attached. However, the number of keys and materials used to create these instruments vary. The mbira is played by plucking the keys with using the thumbs, and sometimes using the right or left forefingers. The mbira is also often placed inside a deze, which amplifies the sound. These instruments are typically played at religious ceremonies, weddings, and other types of social gatherings. For example, the mbira is usually played during the Bira ceremony which is an all-night ritual where the Shona people from Zimbabwe call on their ancestors for guidance.


Mbira - Wikipedia

As we previously discussed in class, drums and rhythm are essential aspects of African music. As I found the Agbekor drum to be interesting, I decided to search for other African drums. As I was searching, I came across the dunun drum, which can also be spelled as dun dun. According to Wikipedia, the dunun drum originated in West Africa and is a rope-tuned drum made of cow or goat skin on both ends. This drum is played with a stick, which sizes vary depending on the region it is played in. The dunun is typically played horizontally on either a stand or with using a shoulder strap. On most versions of this drum a bell is mounted on the top or played alongside the dunun. In the provided YouTube video, Derek Thorne explains that the dunun is usually played alongside other drums such as the djembe. Derek Thorne also plays three variations of the dunun, whereas each has a different pitch.



Dunun - Wikipedia


 As I was searching for Sub-Saharan African dances, I came across the indlamu dance. According to Wikipedia the indlamu is a traditional Zulu dance originating in South Africa. This dance is also known as “war dance” and is often performed in marriage ceremonies, festivals, and other social gatherings. Historically this dance was also performed during war preparations and harvest celebrations. The indlamu dance is characterized by the performer lifting their foot over their head and bringing it down sharply to match the beat of the drums.

Indlamu - Wikipedia




 

Comments

  1. Claire MormandoOctober 8, 2021 at 5:08 PM

    I have a minor obsession with drums of any kind (which may or may not be an understatement). I was definitely grooving to the dunun drums when Derek started playing. And hearing the drums during the war dance was awesome. The dancers have to be pretty athletic to be able to do that because goodness knows I can't lift my leg higher than my hip and jump around like that so easily. I need to start working out more. Maybe I should listen to the Indlamu dance while I do.

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