Closeup July 17, 2018
Asante Drum Language
Our producers have long been fascinated by the ways in which drums, in Africa and the diaspora, are used to communicate. A drummer herself, producer Christiana Athena Usenza has studied Ghanaian Ewe drumming and dance for many years. But she wanted to know more about the meanings behind some of the rhythms in other parts of Ghana. The result is this podcast "Asante Drum Language."
Christiana interviews Emmanuel Attah Poku, part-time professor at Tufts University and the Asante king’s drummer as well as musician and drumming instructor Ben Paulding to help unpack how Asante drummers communicate meaning through their rhythms.
Attah & Ben playing Asante Fontomfrom drums at the Asante King's palace in Kumasi
Fontomfrom procession.
Kotoko Brass live at The Grange.
