West Africa
The
QCA Key Stage 3 non-statutory scheme of work unit 9 (Music for
Dance) is based around Gota drumming, while unit 4 (Musical
Cycles) has suggestions for classroom performing/composing based
around Agbadza and Kpanlogo, as well as alternatives using Indian
or Indonesian models
Wiggins,
T (1993) Music of
West Africa Oxford: Heinemann
Useful in many ways, but pp 50-57 relate directly to Gota Music
Kwami,
R (1995?) West African
Drumming: Agbadza. In Naughton,
C (Ed.) ‘Teaching Non-Western Music at KS 2/3’ (London:
Rhinegold)
This extremely useful booklet is now out of print, but a photocopy
can be obtained from Rhinegold Publishing for around £3
(if several PGCE students want a copy, please send a group order
to Rhinegold: 020 73331720)
Ed.
Loane, T & Adams, P (1990/91) Music
File Series 3 London: Mary Glasgow
Publications
There are units on ‘Kpanlogo and beyond’, ‘Songs
of West Africa’ and ‘Stories and Songs of Africa’
by Robert Kwami in this file
Kwami,
R (1995) ‘A framework for teaching
West African musics in schools and colleges’. In
British Journal of Music Education, 12.3, Cambridge: CUP
Information, issues and songs based relating to Agbadza and
Kpanlogo
Kwami,
R (1998) ‘Non-Western Musics
in Education: Problems & Possibilities. In British
Journal of Music Education, 15.2, Cambridge: CUP
Issues, including discussion of Kpanlogo
The
Rough Guide to the Music of West Africa
(World Music Network)
This CD contains much useful material, including:
-
Djelika (Toumani Diabate - see also the fusion section below),
a track for kora (cross between harp and lute) and balafon
(xylophone): a simplified version of the balafon pattern on
this track would make excellent classroom improvisation material.
See The Rough Guide to World Music Vol. 1 (1999) p545 for
notes on an authentic two players on one balafon technique
that has real relevance for the classroom
-
Djama Kaissoumou (Oumo Sangare) interesting example of ‘hear
it in different ways’ polyrhythm – listen for
the ‘scraper’ part. See The Rough Guide to World
Music Vol. 1 (1999) p554
-
205 (E.T. Mensah) – classic Ghanaian ‘Highlife’,
which could be adapted for school quite easily. See The Rough
Guide to World Music Vol. 1 (1999) p491 onwards
http://vtc.ngfl.gov.uk/resource/cits/primary/publications/approach/music/activity8.html
Suggestions for using Gota drumming in the classroom, as an
ICT project
http://www.tntech.edu/www/life/orgs/abusua/dances.html
Information on different dances, including Gota
http://www.reggaepassover.com/RCmusic.htm#
Audio version of a Gota medley (with voices) from Reggae Chanukah,
a band made up of musicians from around the world exploring
different styles
South Africa
Hiscock,
C & Metcalfe, M (1998-2000) New
Music Matters 11-14 Book 3 Oxford:
Heinemann
This contains a section on South African Gospel. A jazz/blues/gospel
example here (‘Country Boy Blues’) can be found
in a fuller arrangement in:
Stroman, S Small Band Jazz (Book 3, I think – check) London:
Stainer & Bell
The Rough Guide to the Music
of South Africa (World Music Network)
This CD contains some extremely useful tracks, including Mbube
(the original source of Wimmoweh-The lion sleeps tonight), plus
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, South African Reggae (Lucky Dube) and
several tracks that could be adapted as excellent bases for
improvisation (eg Groovin’ Jive No.1)
The
best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo (Polygram)
A useful sampler from this most famous of Zulu a capella groups,
including the Heinz TV commercial and collaborations with Paul
Simon, Dolly Parton and others.
General
Glennie,
E & Cameron, P (1997) Beat it!
African Dances London: Faber
Group percussion exercises
Montfort,
M (1985) Ancient
Traditions-Future Possibilities USA:
Panoramic Press
(available via the Ancient Futures web site listed below)
This book explores the rhythmic traditions of Africa, Bali and
India with suggestions for possible fusions
Sharman,
E (1998) Music Worldwide
Cambridge: CUP
This has a section on African musics, plus some useful tracks
on the accompanying CD
Stock,
J (1996) World
Sound Matters London: Schott
A useful anthology, although aimed at the upper age range. The
‘Griot Song’ from Mali, for example, features voice,
balafon (xylophone) and kora (harp/lute) – cf Djelika
above – and there is also music from Burundi, Ethiopia
and many other countries. All excerpts have detailed background
notes, listening material and transcriptions into western notation.
www.ancient-future.com/index.html
Ancient Future – cross cultural music and dance site,
with some free MIDI files and the option to buy the complete
Ancient Futures book, which has many more.
www.cnmat.berkeley.edu/~ladzekpo/
Materials on music, dance, religion and culture of West Africa,
along with related graphics, sound, and videos. Hundreds of
links with extracts from Foundation Course in African Dance
Drumming, Kpanlogo songs etc Particularly useful for Anlo-Ewe
traditions
Fusion
Paul
Simon: Graceland
(Warner Bros)
Western Popular music meets a capella Zulu group Ladysmith Black
Mambazo plus others
Ali
Farka Toure & Ry Cooder: Talking
Timbuktu (World Circuit)
American guitarist Ry Cooder (big name in fusion musics) and
Malian blues guitarist Ali Farka Toure & ensemble
The
Kronos Quartet: Pieces
of Africa (Nonesuch)
‘Classical’ string quartet working with a variety
of African styles and musicians
Taj
Mahal & Toumani Diabate: Kulanjan
(Hannibal/Ryko)
Malian Kora player Toumani Diabate and American guitarist Taj
Mahal explore common ground
(There is an extract from this on the Rough Guide to World Music
Vol 1 sampler CD)
For
further information see the Rough Guide to World Music Vol 1
(1999) pp 543-544, 552, 557, 555, 559-560, 644-645 and Vol 2
(2000) pp 615-623
Songs (a small selection)
Allen,
P (1997) Singing
Matters Oxford: Heinemann
This has versions of various African songs, including Wimmoweh,
Siyahamba, Tina Singu and Babetyhandaza
Allen,
P (1999) Developing
Singing Matters Oxford: Heinemann
African songs include Freedom, Singahambayo Thina, Basaje baba,
Songs of the Baka
Kwami,
R (1998) African
Songs for School & Community London:
Schott
Traditional songs from Ghana, with accompanying drum patterns
Adzenah,
A, Maraire, D & Tucjer, J (1997) Let
your voice be heard! (Songs: Ghana & Zimbabwe)
Danbury: World Music Press
Excellent collection of authentic songs with detailed backgrounds
and accompanying recording
