Kuku is a traditional and cultural piece of music or drum rhythm from the West African nation of Guinea and around the city of Beyla, which is not far from the Ivory-coast border. It is one of the most popular West African rhythms. According to Mamady Keita, its rhythm was played to celebrate the return of the women within tribes as they came back from fishing expeditions. They would take their fishing tools and dance. At the present time, this rhythm is played during parties. Some people believe that it was played by two different peoples, one of which was the Manian ethnic group in the forest region of Guinea. From this enjoyable dance, the Kuku became a part of many different celebrations within the tribes, including full moon celebrations, maintaining its roots in female respect, abundance and happiness.
The rhythm itself was played on three different Djembes, each with its own unique beat that mixed with the general sound. No other drums were originally used to play the Kuku rhythm within tribal ceremonies and celebrations, letting the female aspect of Djembes and drumming take the lead in this ultimate celebration of women, rhythm and dance. The accompanying dance is motivated by the drummers who encourage the dancers through the rhythm, much like a “call and response” song.
In turn, the dancers challenge the drummers to provide a beat that follows the difficult movements used to express the Kuku through dance. In an infinite cycle of drums, percussion and dance, the Kuku rhythm represent the joy and celebration of life through African tribal customs.The Kuku rhythm is a unique rhythm that continues to captivate its listeners and players today. From tribal celebrations in Africa, Latin America and the U.S., the Kuku rhythm brings a strong reminder of its cultural beginnings, as well as an upbeat, driving rhythm that fits wonderfully within modern compositions and drumming events. A celebratory dance, it features rapid movement of arms and legs and is attended by drums at very different speeds, depending on the region. Another fast version of this rhythm is played by Maoka ethnic group.
My thoughts on the West African Percussion class are that I actually enjoyed the class a lot, even though it didn't seem like it. I learned a lot from the three different rhythms, which I didn't expect to learn as much. All the different parts for each rhythm were fascinating to learn. My most preferred rhythm must have been the Kuku rhythm, which is why I wrote about it for this paper. Practicing and memorizing the rhythms were worth doing, for a beginner in percussion class. It was a pleasure participating in this class, and I hope in the future I will have the opportunity to learn more rhythms.