Ghana (Africa)
Atsimewu

Pronounced ("ah- chee- may- voo"), is a long barrel drum of the Anlo Ewe people played with two sticks, or one hand and one stick. This is the lead instrument that conducts the entire drum and dance ensemble in rhythmical, tonal and dance dialogues. The "atsimewu" engages the supporting drums, "sogo" and "kidi", in a 'percussive question and answer' using a tonal language often mimicking the rhythm, intonation and inflection of their spoken word. It is usually four to six feet tall, open at the bottom, and covered with goatskin on one end. Not seen in the picture, the "kaganu", 1.5 feet tall, is a supporting barrel drum with the same proportions as the atsimewu.

The WORLD BEATS video features live, costumed performances of ancient, ethnic, percussive traditions. Aaron Plunkett puts it all together in this fascinating 33 minute program. SEE MORE...