Tanbou, Haitian Drums, Drumming Up African Roots with Rhythm - Phoenix Refined
Tanbou means drum in our language Haitian Creole. Part of understanding ones culture is to look at it from its purest state without stigmas attached. If Haiti is to flourish like a Phoenix, then we must know its beautiful culture. One aspect of Haitian Culture is our African roots. Haitian drumming is a practice that spans centuries with heavy influence on the music of Africa.
Rara, which uses goat-skin drums, is a form of festive music that really has a structure we can share a bit of. Although Petwo is a common sound to hear during a drumming at a Rara, many other types of rhythms are distinct to Haitian drumming. Dahomey, Rada, Petwo (goat skin) and other rhythms are played usually with sets of three drums. So you tend to see three drummers along with horn section, symbol, and other instruments leading a usually festive processional such as a Rara. If you would like to witness this first hand Similars processionals can be witnessed by Dja Rara in New York then Kriz Rara and Rara Lakay in Miami, and many others in Haiti like Chen Michan in Leogane.
Chen Michan, one of the oldest groups, which has been around for over a hundred years. So many groups are all known for their strengths in performing.
© Haiti News - Haiti Kanaval 2016 Rara Fanm Defile Champ de Mars - YouTube
The Dahomey rhythm, has history in what is now South Benin and was once the name of a Kingdom in West Africa. Benin is a region in West Africa many ancestors of modern day Haitians came out of and from during the transatlantic slave trade to the Americas namely Caribbean Islands where most were brought to.
While Dahomey rhythms are played in the north like Gonaive areas of Haiti, Rada another form of Dahomey influenced rhythms is most indicative of the south like Jacmel and Port-au-Prince.
© Smithsonian Institution - Rada Drum, "Segon", for Vodou ceremonies
There are three cow-skin drums in Rada called Boula, Segon, and Manman. Segon and Boula are drums that are played by hand while Manman is the big drum. They also use a hand stick and bow pair.
Rada rhythms include: Yanvalou, Mayi, Zepol, Nago, Ibo
Courtesy of Library of Congress
Dahomey family of rhythms uses three cow-skin drums called the Katabo (Smallest Drum), Gonde, Manman (Largest Drum). Manman drum is the largest with a low pitch sound that travels the farthest. Gonde and Katabo are hand drums of cow skin played in a set with the Manman drum. There are two sticks used, a hand stick and bow pair.
Dahomey rhythms include: Wandjalé, Chasè, Akbadja, Agoni
Dahomey and Rada Rhythms are played for the spirits: Ayisan, Danbala, Legba, Ogoun and Manbo Lisa.
© Petwo - Vodou Music in Haiti Lameca.org
Now Petwo/Petro drums are made with goat skin and have a set of two drums for their distinct sound and ryhthms.
Petwo/Petro Rhythms are played for the spirits: Papa Simbi, Ezili Danto, and others.
Drums are part of ceremonial processions and festival processions. The music played really has significance that goes deeper than musical entertainment. It is a connection to our ancestors and principals they leave behind for us to learn from. In modern day many enjoy Rara bands that play Haitian drums and perform Rhythms of the types shared above. Rada and Petwo can be heard played by bands in Miami and New York. Many other spots around the world, there are fanatics of Rara who form their own bands sharing Haitian culture.
We must know the culture to retain why we as Haitians are great. We must share the culture and make sure the youth understand it. Experience the culture, travel to Haiti visiting historic sites first hand. All means to touch Haitian culture mentioned help support the progress we all want to see. To Start Follow the Phoenix, @phoenixrefined !!!
Dahomey Audio of Voudoun Drums by Lomax, A., Marseille, C., Marseille, L. & Saul. (1937) Dahomey. Pont Beudet.
Poor Economy, Rich Culture
The Origins of Rada and Petro (Petwo) Drums
