African Drumming and Dance

The Illinois State University's West African Drumming and Dance Ensemble is designed to introduce students to drum rhythms, folk songs, and simple dance forms of the West African region.

Under the direction of Dr. Oforiwaa Aduonum, Ghanaian drummer and dancer, drumming is mostly taught by rote; therefore, through imitation and repetition, students acquire the skills necessary for the intricate and complex drumming styles of West Africa.

The class also exposes students to select West African dances like Kpanlogo, Bima, Nagala, Sinte, Gahu, and Fanga. In addition, folk song singing with light bodily movements, which are integral parts of the drumming process, are also taught. Instruments used in the ensemble include, Ghanaian apentemma, gyamadudu, donno drums, torowa rattles, dawuro and dawurota bells, and the Sene-gambian djembe drum. The semester always ends with a public performance for the campus and surrounding communities.

The ensemble is opened to the campus student population as well as faculty members. No auditions are necessary. For more information please contact Oforiwaa Ama Aduonum, African Drumming and Dance Ensemble Director.