ISBN 9781920355005
Pages 90
Dimensions 350mm x 270mm
Illustrations B/W Illustrations
Published 2009
Publisher African Minds Publishers, South Africa
Format Paperback

African Classical Ensemble Music Book 1

Agiri music (Foundation)

by Meki Nzewi, Odyke Nzewi

The study of African music must be grounded in indigenous African knowledge systems, thus making it truly representative of indigenous Africa's intellectual history. The African Classical Ensemble Music: Theory and Drum-based Concert Series is intended to empower literacy-driven ensemble creativity which, in turn, advances the philosophical, theoretical, medical and humanizing imperatives of African indigenous musical arts lore. The three books that comprise the series discuss aspects of the compositional theory and creative philosophy that characterize African indigenous musical arts, and can be introduced at any level of education. They are intended to facilitate purposeful work/shopping activities, and also provide for modern concert performances that are faithful advancements of African indigenous knowledge systems. The books contain written compositions that cater for theoretical studies and concert performances. The introductory information input is the same in the first part of the three books. This is because a common philosophy and common theoretical principles underpin the creative frameworks, compositional grammar and functional concept of the musical arts irrespective of the level of expertise. The main activity content of the book series provides for the progressive development of competence.

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About the Authors

Meki Nzewi

Professor Meki Nzewi lectures in African Music at the University of Pretoria. As a cultural scientist, he has undertaken an interactive study of the creative theory and performance practice underlying African traditional musical arts for over 36 years. He has written copiously on all musico-philosophical aspects of African music, and has published four books and 34 articles and philosophical essays on African music, dance and drama.

He has written, composed and produced 5 music-theatre works, 7 musicals, 3 operas and 3 poetic-dance theatre works. His other compositions include works for orchestra, choir, solo voice, drums and other ensembles. In 2001, the English Chamber Orchestra gave the world premiere of his newest orchestral work during a tour of South Africa. Prof. Nzewi has also published literary works, including three plays, a novel and poems, and has written and produced works for TV and radio.

As master drummer, he has performed and given workshops throughout Europe and Africa. He is the founder and co-director of the Ama Dialog Foundation for African traditional arts in Nigeria. His creative philosophy and practice aim at continuing the traditional multi-disciplinary approach to creativity, performance and presentation.

Odyke Nzewi

O’dyke Nzewi is an African classical drummer. He gives workshops on the theory and practice of African traditional drum music. He is currently a consultant with the Centre for Indigenous Instrumental Music and Dance Practices (CIIMDA). He is also pursuing a master’s degree in Music Technology, at the University of Pretoria. He has given concerts on the African classical drumming style in different parts of Europe and Africa.

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