For this week’s song share I chose an example of Kpanlogo drumming that I came across while I was searching for examples of Ghanaian polyrhythmic ensembles on YouTube. The musicians found in this video are students from Brown University playing with their instructor, Kwaku Kwaakye Obeng. You will find that the music resembles that of what we saw in class for polyrhythmic ensembles, with similar instrumentation and patterns. The specific type of polyrhythmic ensemble you hear in this video is Kpanlogo, which is a form of music and dance that originated in Ghana around the 1960s. Not only is the music named Kpanlogo, but the drums being used in the front row of the ensemble are also named kpanlogo drums.
As I mentioned, the instrumentation of this ensemble resembles that of the polyrhythmic ensembles we listened to in class. Instruments that can be found in this video are the shekere and two gankogui. There is also obviously the kpanlogo which plays the role of the drums for the polyrhythmic ensemble. You will find students playing thumb bells, which are also known as frikywas, a square membranophone, clapping, as well as vocal singing. Yet even with similar instrumentation this ensemble would not resemble a polyrhythmic ensemble without playing the characteristic rhythms. Later on in the video the ensemble starts to implement the polyrhythm that this type of music is named for. The student who plays the thumb bells starts the polyrhythm feel from the start of the piece, and later on the instructor adds more complexity to the music by playing more unique rhythms on his kpanlogo.
Probably to no surprise, I once again chose a video that showed off the talents of female musicians. The majority of the players in this particular video are women who do an amazing job of playing their parts. For this video especially I was also intrigued that the musicians were college students like me. I really appreciated the work done in this video because I know how busy college life can get and yet these students were able to put on such a quality performance for something that I would assume is an extra-curricular ensemble. On top of appreciating who plays in this performance I thought the music made was quite enjoyable to listen too, and the performers seemed to be having so much fun which in turn made it more enjoyable to watch.
The Video:
Provide Feedback