Ghana (Africa)
Sogo

The "sogo" is a barrel drum of the Anlo Ewe people usually played with two hands, one hand and one stick, and occasionally, two sticks. It is a little over two feet tall, closed at the bottom and covered with goatskin on one end. The sogo is usually a supporting drum and responds in question and answer dialogue to the lead drum, atsimewu. When instructed to take over as lead, the sogo conducts the entire drum and dance ensemble in rhythmical, tonal and dance dialogues. Not seen in the picture, the "kidi", 1.5 feet tall, is also a supporting barrel drum with the same proportions as the sogo.

The WORLD BEATS video features live, costumed performances of ancient, ethnic, percussive traditions. Aaron Plunkett puts it all together in this fascinating 33 minute program. SEE MORE...