Master Drummers of West Africa

By Jerry Leake

The material presented in this text is based directly on field research conducted in West Africa while under the guidance of three Master Drummers. Musical examples are introduced in the same private lesson format as they were learned in Africa—an approach which should allow you to move quickly through style and variation with some background information provided along the way. West Africa encompasses more than three music traditions; no single text can completely discuss any one style. In Ghana alone there are numerous musical styles which could fill volumes—an amazing fact for a country the size of Oregon. The purpose of this text is to expand your rhythmic and cultural awareness through music and drumming while offering insights into more contemporary application, performance and composition using traditional foundations.

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Review

"This is an intimate visit to West Africa with drummer Jerry Leake, who, in his quest for knowledge, has gone so far as to live with families of drummers in Ghana and Burkina Faso. Amazing musical doors are opened here, and many concepts are discussed, including how to apply African rhythms to the drumset."
David Licht
Modern Drummer Magazine, December, 2004

Excerpts

Ghana - Ewe Music
Professor David Locke first met Ewe master drummer Godwin Agbeli in the early 1970s. After studying with him in Ghana, he invited Godwin to teach in the U.S. where I eventually became his student. After Godwin's untimely death, I visited his school, the Dagbe Center, to study with his sons: Reuben, Emmanuel, and Victor. During my research, I learned six pieces-four of which are presented in Chapter 1.

Ewe Rhythms Examined: Gahu; Agbekor; Tokoe; Brekete; J. AgbeDDwe (original)

Ewe Instruments Examined: Gankogui (bell); Axatse (shaker); Kagan (barrel drum); Kidi (barrel drum); Sogo (barrel drum); Boba (master drum); Atsimevu (master drum); Toke Bells; Brekete; Dodow

Ghana - Dagbamba Music
Professor Locke met Dagbamba master drummer, Abubakari Lunna, in the 70s, eventually inviting Abubakari to also teach in Boston. It wasn't until the early 90s when I discovered Abubakari's great musical heritage and personality. After visiting Godwin's school on the humid coast, I traveled to the more arid northern city of Tamale where I studied with Abubakari. There, I enhanced my knowledge of previously learned material before progressing deeper in the Abubakari's tradition. Chapter 2 brings you to Tamale.

Dagbamba Rhythms Examined: Damba; Damba Sochandi; Takai; NyagboDD; Dzenkunu; Lua; Lead Luna (Damba and Takai)

Dagbamba Instruments Examined: Gun-Gon; Luna (talking drum)

Burkina Faso - Griot Music
The third leg of my Africa journey took me to Burkina Faso-a francophone country which boasts many unique music traditions. In the city of Bobo-Dialloso, I met the CouDDbaly family of griots and master musicians. My teacher, Soloueymane CouDDbaly, and I engaged in extensive lessons on Balafon, Djembe, Dun-Dun. The material learned in Bobo is presented in Chapter 3.