What is the gankogui used for?
The gankogui (gon-koe-KWI), also known as agogo bell, double bell, or hi-low bell, is used in a variety of African percussion music, but is traditionally from the Anlo-Ewe of Ghana, Togo, and Benin. By striking the bells with a mallet or beater a two-pitch song is created.
What is the purpose function of bells is West African music?
The bell pattern is the key to the rhythm. It provides the time line, after which every other instrument in the ensemble orientates itself. But beware: Don’t confuse the word “time line” with “main beat”. The bell does not just mark the main beat of the rhythm.
Is an instrument of African origin called gankogui from Ewe ethnic group Ghana?
The gankogui, also known as a gakpevi, is a bell, or gong instrument played with a wooden stick.
What is the African bell pattern?
Three-beat cycle bell patterns This bell pattern, an embellishment of the three-beat cycle, is used in the Afro-Cuban rhythm abakuá. It consists of three sets of three strokes each. The bell pattern is also played in a displaced position, beginning on 4a, the pulse immediately preceding beat 1.
What are African bells used for?
The gankogui, also known as agogo bell, double bell, or hi-low bell, is used in a variety of African percussion music, but is traditionally from the Anlo-Ewe of Ghana, Togo, and Benin. By striking the bells with a mallet or beater a two-pitch song is created. Each gankogui is hand-forged of recycled iron in Togo.
What is the double bell instrument called?
The double bell euphonium is a duplex instrument based on the euphonium. The larger bell produces the mellow tone of a standard euphonium; the second smaller bell has a brighter tone, similar to a baritone horn or valve trombone.
How do you set up a bell stand?
Put the bells in place. You’ll notice that the bell stand top has two sides to it. One side has short legs and one side has long legs. So, the small side of the bells will go on the short-leg side and the long side of the bells will go on the long-leg side. So, you will lift the bells and place them.
What is a gankogui Bell?
Hand-forged from thick iron and struck with a wooden stick, GANKOGUI BELLS, also known by other names like the Agogo, play the “key rhythm” in West African drum ensembles. The key rhythm is a specific pattern that doesn’t change throughout the piece, providing a reference point for the other instruments.
What is a gankogui instrument?
The gankogui is the skeleton, backbone, and foundation of all traditional Ewe music. Apart from drumming groups of entertainment, this musical instrument, as seen here, was used for ritual or ceremonial functions, and was placed in a shrine. When played, its’ sounds called the gods and spirits for help and advice.
What is an Anlo-Ewe gankogui?
These gankogui are built well built to produce the correct traditional sound of the Anlo-Ewe ensemble. The gankogui (gon-koe-KWI), also known as agogo bell, double bell, or hi-low bell, is used in a variety of African percussion music, but is traditionally from the Anlo-Ewe of Ghana, Togo, and Benin.
What is the Ewe gankogui?
Nearly every drum ensemble of the Ewe includes the gankogui. Some of the many recreational ensembles in which it is incorporated include the kpanlongo and kolomashie ensembles of the Ga and the apatampa and brass band ensembles of the Fante (an Akan people).