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
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