the meaning of masabo    welcome to west africa    quick notes about côte d'ivoire    about fana soro   
about the senoufo people    about traditional music    about traditional dance    about masks   
about the balafon    about the instruments    about oral traditions    about textiles and costumes   
school performance repertoire    masks - music & dance    learning activities    learning links   

1) Drum call to the show!

• In Africa the drums play an important role in communication and announce "the news";, they tell of births, deaths, weddings, festivities, and the rhythms call the community to gather at the "meeting place".

2) Tchenourgo

• A melody with the principle instrument being the balafon. Tchenourgo is a Senoufo girl's name. Tchenourgo was a very helpful, respectful, and beautiful girl and this melody was created in her honour and to return her respect.

3) Kokodiko

• A myth about identical twins. A long time ago in Africa, twins were regarded as evil, and many people persecuted them. This is a story about how the villagers opinion changed about twins and how, in the end, twins came to be celebrated and seen as a blessing to the world!
  click here for entire Kokodiko story

4) Goumbé

• A traditional dance of the Kuoyaga people of north western Côte d'Ivoire. This dance is popular for ceremonies that welcome new born babies into the community and also to introduce a newly married couple in the village.

5) Borôrô

• A song and danced focused around the principle instrument the bororo. The words and rhythm of this melody translate into, "When you come to the Gon province, (a Senoufo area), you will only meet friendly, helpful people!".

6) The significance of Masks in West Africa.

7) Kpanlogo rhythm with Yacouba Mask Dance

• Kpanlogo is a famous traditional rhythm from Ghana performed during most social gatherings and celebrations.

8) Yayaya N'Denba

• A melody of the Akan people. The Akan are found on the eastern border of Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. This melody literally means, "We are here to have fun!".

To Print Study Guide Click Here

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