A Preliminary Study of Mandeng Music in West African-Djembe as an Example

• Main Authors: Yi-ching Lin, 林依靜
• Other Authors: Yun-yih Chu
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/56117200195675813548

碩士 === 國立臺南大學 === 音樂學系碩士班 === 100 === In order to explore the historical structure and social implications of the Djembe in Africa, the study adopted literature review and theory analysis methods, from Mande tribe, geography, social functions of religions and the implications of rhythems, to probe into the correlations among Djembe and the lifestyle, culture and music in the tribal society. Furthermore, the production, accompanying instruments, variations, and the compositions of the musical form were also discussed through the observation on the contemporary performance, playing style and the development of Djembe in Taiwan. Three dimensions were explored in the study. As to the literature view, comprehensive data collection of the Mande tribal musical culture in West Africa and the historical development process of Djembe was conducted. Understanding the formation and the hierarchy system of the Manding Empire from the whole geographical environment, including the distribution of the Mande, its tribal customs and religions, through the score samples of the traditional rhythms and the background introduction of the tradition and musical cultural circle of Djembe music, revealed the influences of Muslim religion to Mande music . Besides, the importance of Djembe in the tribal living, its learning process and heritage, the role of traditional drum performers, and the rhythm style of traditional ceremonies and holidays in Mande tribe were all included in the cultural research of this study. By analyzing the influences of cultural policies in Guinea nations at the post-colonization age of west Africa on Mande music, we knew the way which Mande tribes utilized to develop the identity of the national culture. Each nation created its national song and dance ensemble which then further affected and changed the level of Djembe performance. Under this structure, this tribal instrument is now well-known and learned around the world. Related discussions and literature were studied and summarized. Referring to the theories, an integrated analysis of classification, rhythms, effect of instrumental ensemble of tribal music was proceeded, which included introductions of west African instruments and Djembe, in order to explore the ensemble ways and polyrhythm, improvisation in the substantial drum musical culture in Africa. The performing style and the features of Djembe music, its solo play and the feature and rhythm of the accompanied instrument along with its teaching method and modern notation were also discussed. From the dimension of the performance, four master Djembe performers and their styles and composition methods were analyzed. Their broke through the tradition with fresh performance, percussion skills, combining new improvisatory tunes and improvisations fused with traditional rhythm from contemporary drum performers based on the traditional rhythm, and created a brand new era for Djembe. Learning Djembe has become a trend in European and American countries. The study further researched in Djembe’s affects and applications in contemporary music, and probed into its current teaching and development situation around the world. Among which, the actual state and the development of performance groups in Taiwan were also discussed for the further reference of the audience, educators and researchers.