The role of percussion in West African societies

Abstract

When I started thinking and planning this thesis, there were those inevitable discussions with different circles of people about this project. Some raised an eye-brow, while others showed interest. But there was one factor that prompted curiosity and which subsequently led to one common question among all: "Why West Africa?" One practical answer is that I wanted to choose one particular area out of a whole continent and examine the function and role of percussion instruments within that particular area. Another reason is that I believe that there are few areas of the world that match the range and musical textures of West Africa. The region consists of fifteen countries, everyone of which having various tribes. This fact indicates that it is quite hard to analyse each particular country or social group within a limited context. Thus, the material presented here is not exhaustive but merely presents some important aspects, in a more detailed manner, of the relationship between West African societies and the drum, which can be said to be the· most distinctive of all African instruments. The purpose of this writing is not to analyse West African music or African drumming. I feel that this work covers at least two areas: The ethnomusicological aspect and the anthropological aspect of West African societies. It is a study of a specific field of music within the structure of particular human societies, the majority of whom are non-literate, with the basic argument being the role of percussion in these societies. Why does an ensemble of drummers gather to celebrate the death of a person? What does a particular percussion instrument represent to a cult in some secret society? What are the magical powers that are so strongly felt when a drummer beats his music in some sacred ritual? These and many more other questions span in my mind at the genesis of this thesis. African music is an art that integrates strong traditional forms and improvisation. It is the musician's responsibility to extend from the music itself into the movement of its social setting. Music becomes important only in respect of the overall success of a social event. We shall therefore look into particular social settings and bring out the direct relationship between the music, the people who make it and the situation in which it is performed.