Master drummer

In African drumming, the title of master drummer is given to a drummer who is well known by other masters for his high skill and knowledge. It is a title passed down from a master to his pupil, after he has learned all there is to know about the African drum.

In general, a master drummer has given his whole life to the djembe and dunun. He is able to play any part of any rhythm for his ethnic group and neighbouring ethnic groups, in any ceremonial situation. He also knows the songs and dances that go with each rhythm. A drummer can play for twenty years before he or she is given the status of 'Master'.

Another type of master drummer is a person who leads other drummers in playing drum rhythms, e.g. in the French Caribbean styles, the master drummer may be called "kamande" in French Creole.

The master drummer can also lead the other drummers through a well known dance.

List of master drummers

Some well-known master drummers include:

• Bolokada Conde
• Soungalo Coulibaly
• Babatunde Olatunji
• Abdoulaye Diakite
• Yamadu Bani Dunbia
• Mamady Keïta
• Mustapha Tettey Addy
• Famoudou Konaté
• Drissa Kone
• Okyerema Asante
• Doudou N'Diaye Rose
• Sikiru Adepoju

Disambiguation

The term "master drummer" may also refer to an African live composer.

References