Dagbamba expressive arts

All videos shot in January 2014 (except "Songs") by Michael Frishkopf (video) and David Ewenson (sound), and subsequently edited by David Ewenson. We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of a Department of Music President's Fund grant that enabled preparation of this video collection, and the kind cooperation of the Youth Home Cultural Group of Tamale, Ghana who perform and explain the dances, drumming, and songs in the videos below.

(NB: This page is still under development!)

General background and history

Background and History of the Dagbamba people, their music and dance, presented by the late Chief of Duuyin Naa, Mr. Von Salifu

Full performances

• Bamaya
• Damba
• Takai
• Tora

General instruction

• Drumming
  • Introduction to Lunga (talking drum)
  • Introduction to Gung-gong (bass drum)
  • Introduction to Bamaya, Jera, and Tora Drumming
• Songs (2017; still need subtitles)

Dances

Damba

• Drumming

Bamaya

• Bamaya drumming part 1
• Bamaya drumming part 2 (shikolo rhythm)
• Bamaya Dancing

Tora

• History
• Drumming

Takai

• History
• Drumming
• Drum instruction: Takai
• Dancing: Takai
• Dancing

Jera

• Drumming

Other resources

Please see the following excellent resources as well:

• Dagomba Dance-Drumming at Tufts University (prepared by Prof. David Locke)
• Drums of Dagbon, documentary film by John Miller Chernoff
• A Drummer's Testament, on traditional music and culture of the Dagbamba people in northern Ghana.