The Nigerian Mvies

The Nigerian Mvies
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Thursday 4 August 2011

Age Old Attraction of African Drums

By Claudia Kasen


The rhythm of African drums actually gets to you "you can't ignore it: it will get your toes tapping and you're feeling drawn in by the intense, resonating beat and distinctive sound of these ancient instruments that have endured for many years and are still popular the world over. Their influence has spread to many countries, most noticeably the Caribbean, the West Indies and South America.

Perhaps one of the reasons they are so amazingly popular is that they do not require you to be in a position to read music or have great musical talent: if you have a sense of rhythm you can like playing these drums for hours. In spite of their primitive simplicity: they're so basic; goblet formed, made sometimes of hardwood with goatskin stretched ott; they've an enduring appeal and are played widely even today.

There are a few companies which specialize in the manufacture and distribution of these dazzling instruments and you'll have absolutely no issues in finding a source for them. Among the number one brands are Remo, Tiger, Kambala, Toca and Meinl. Some African drums are now manufactured in synthetic materials, but if you can get your hands on a genuine drum, made in Africa, although it is reasonably old, do not hesitate to buy it, as you'll have a treasure in your possession.

Go to nearly any African hamlet and you are likely to hear someone playing African drums, typically with an audience of one or two youngsters gathered around, with some listening and others dancing nonchalantly to the compelling rhythm. There are legitimate videos posted on You Tube, depicting just such scenes. You'll hear them being played in bars in Jamaica or in towns and towns in Nicaragua or Brazil. Once you have the drum in your possession, it is ready to be played and the more you play it, the more at ease you will be with the instrument. Play a bit of appropriate music on a CD and go with the music with the drum. You will find infinite ways of effortless entertainment for several hours.

The most widely known African drums are the djembe drum, djun djun, bougarabou, gadzo, conga and kpanlogo but there are others and they have all played an important role in African culture and faith for decades. They're used at weddings, funerals, to celebrate births, in ritual dances, at the installation of chiefs and in many ceremonies. To Africans they are an essential part of life and an irreplaceable accompaniment in the numerous events associated with African culture. Check out the many sites dedicated to these drums and consider purchasing one or more for yourself: you'll own history and be linked to the oldest customs in the world.




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