Study Guides

Unit Summary

Pupils are introduced to drumming from the regions of West Africa, performing as an ensemble and developing their understanding of djembe technique, the structure and musical conventions of the music, how rhythm and tempo are used to create excitement and the culture connected with the music.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to play the Kuku rhythm with the different sections, including a solo.

Key Notes

• The structure of Kuku includes various different sections.
• The call arrives between every section.
• Part 3 contains solos which are performed by the djembefola. These can be prepared or improvised.
• The piece ends with an échauffement which is used to speed up or signal the end of the performance.
• Preparing a performance of the full Kuku structure which includes a prepared or improvised solo.

Vocabulary To Learn

• call: a phrase that signals a piece is going to start, change or end
• échauffement: a phrase that is used to build to the climax of a piece
• break: a short phrase that breaks up the main rhythms
• solo: a featured part of a composition played by one person
• improvisation: creating music on the spot

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• The solo section has to be made up in the moment.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Composing in a Kuku or Warabadon style Study Guide
• Context and technique in West African drumming Study Guide
• Kuku - djembe and dundun parts Study Guide
• Warabadon - djembe and dundun parts Study Guide
• Warabadon - structure and solo parts Study Guide