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"Drum, Is The Ear of God: |
Sakara Drum (pronounced sa-ka-rah) This type is specifically made in Nigeria, West Africa. It is a hand held drum. This drum comes in a family of four sizes: Atele- tiny, Omele- medium, Sakara-large, and Iya-Alu-extra large. Sakara being what it is called when there is only one. This drum has the goatskin stretched over a rim of red clay and is played with a light stick. These drums (and their relatives- frame drums) are played all over the world in a variety of ways. Rhythmic patterns played with these drums resemble the sounds of the more familiar stand up drums. I have come to appreciate the powerful sound that comes from these drums as we have developed clever ways to simulate the sounds of traditional stand up drums that are played with the hands.
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(pronounced shay-ka-ray), The Sekere instrument is played all over Africa in a variety of forms. The one pictured below is more commonly seen in Nigeria, West Africa. It is made from gourds of various sizes, it is dried out in the sun, the seeds are removed then it is strang with a network of stone beads on cotton yarn. Here in America we have taken the style and made numerous creations with designs and bead work. We use cotton and nylon cording along with beads of all shapes, textures and colors. One Nigerian said to me one day that our version of the Sekere outshine his own home grown version. A statement that drew exceptional pride from me. In our workshops we teach how to make and play this percussion instrument.
Web Mistress: Nana Baakan Agyiriwah. E-mail comments to voicesofafrica@voicesofafrica.net |
