What are some of the characteristics of Agbekor music?
set of long, thin keys made of metal or plant material.
What are Agbekor performances?
agbekɔ is a style of dance by the West African peoples of Ewe and Fon. The lead drummer ‘calls’ the dancers to perform a specific movement, preceded and followed by “the call to turn.” There is a slow section and a fast section, with ‘interlude songs’ or “hatsiatsia” songs” sometimes performed in between. …
What are the words to Agbekor songs usually about?
What are the words to Agbekor songs usually about? Themes of war, such as courage, bravery, and preparing for battle.
How did Agbekor begin?
Agbekor is a popular Warrior dance performed in Africa. It was originated by the Ewa and Foh people who live on the Atlantic coast of Western Africa. It was originally known as “Atamga”, an ancient and traditional dance form often performed in many functions, and also in funerals.
What is Agbekor used for?
In West Africa (Ghana and Togo especially), drumming ensembles among the Ewe people maintain a performance practice called Agbekor (ah-GBEH-kaw). Ewe tradition holds that it was originally a war dance, to encourage bravery before combat and to celebrate heroism afterward.
Which instrument plays the timeline in Agbekor?
The very beginning of the piece is monophonic, as the gankogui plays the timeline, but this is very brief, as the atsimevu enters halfway through bar 1, and the sogo in bar 3. From this point onwards, the piece uses a highly complex polyrhythmic texture.
What instruments are found in Ewe Agbekor musics?
Atsiagbekɔ: Background and Instruments
- gankogui (pronounced gahn-KOHG-way): two-tone iron bell.
- axatse (pronounced ah-HAHT-say): African gourd rattle.
- kagan drum (pronounced kah-GAHN): high-pitched accompaniment drum.
- kidi drum (pronounced kee-DEE): medium-pitched accompaniment drum.
Why is Agbekor important in Ewe culture today?
Ewe tradition holds that it was originally a war dance, to encourage bravery before combat and to celebrate heroism afterward. Today one can hear Agbekor at major life events within a community, such as weddings and funerals, and also in informal concert settings.
How many percussion instruments are in Agbekor?
The traditional Agbekor percussion ensemble consists of a bell, a gourd rattle, and four drums. Each part played by the ensemble in itself is not too difficult. The challenge is to hear them within a polyphonic texture that seems to change depending on one’s point of musical reference.