Africa, south of the Sahara is inhabited by hundreds of different ethnic groups, each with a musical
tradition of its own. Sub-Saharan Africa boasts of a diverse and rich traditional music heritage that has
for centuries been orally transmitted from generation to generation. Despite external influences, the
majority of these ethnic groups continue to value and practice their respective traditional musical
styles which in turn have and continue to establish strong musical and cultural identities.
In tonight's concert event, the MIT African Performing Ensemble (MITCAN) in its second semester of
existence at MIT can only share fragments of this rich cultural music heritage that range from song,
dance and instrumental music from three broad areas of East and South Africa - specifically: Kenya, Uganda,
and South Africa.
Concert Program
1. Lug'mada dance {market dance - Lugbara)This processional dance was
traditionally performed at the beginning of the bi-monthly market days. Performed by able-bodied men
and women, the Lugbara people perform it to ask their gods to give them a successful market day.
2. Larakaraka rhythms {village drum ensemble -Luo}
In many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, it's common for villagers to get together, and often too,
to provide themselves with their own recreation. The rhythms replicated in this rendition belong to the
Luo groups some of whom live in Kenya and others in Uganda.
3. Mia din {adungu solo - Alur}
In the style of the Alur people, Esteban performs an instrumental solo on the adungu.
The lyrics of the Alur tune when translated mean: "If you ever go to the forest alone, keep a
heavy club handy for protection."
4. Myal bel din {adungu ensemble - Alur}
Among the Alur, the adungu is used for playing dance music as well as well as other communal
functions like exhorting people to be good citizens. The lyrics of the tune played by this ensemble of
adungu players literary means, "Let's work out our misunderstandings peacefully and eventually
agree like theadungu strings.
5. Wummula {ndingidi duet -Buganda}
Literally meaning "Don't get stressed out, take a break" Joel and Chris play this well known
traditional tune on the ndingidi in Ganda style.
6. Enyak aud an {akogo solo - Atesot}
In the style of the Atesot, the akogoplayer exhorts all the children to help their parents while at work.
7. Gumboot dance {South Africa}
The 'gumboot' dance is originally from the mines of South Africa. This energetic and rhythmic dance was
danced by miners to mimic the sounds in the mines as they dig for the 'gold'. The dance was also used as
a peaceful demonstration of their struggle against the apartheid regime. Now it has become a traditional
dance for South Africans.
Brief Intermission
8. Aije dance {Acholi}
This harvest dance belongs to the Acholi (people)of northern Uganda. Traditionally, it is performed by women
and girls as the men and boys accompany them on drums. The awal (gourd crackers)played by women
represent the baskets with which they would reap the bountiful harvest.
9. Byaddawa? {madinda duet - Buganda}
In ssekinnoomu style, Patrick and Chris use the improvisation technique treating the traditional
tune "Byaddawa?" to various variations on the madinda .
10. Byajjula {ndongo trio - Buganda}
This traditional tune is played by Eric, Neala, and Roz in a traditional improvisational style.
When articulated, the melody they are playing means: We went to the garden and filled all our baskets with
a lot of food; come and have some.
11. Indlamu dance {Zulu, South Africa}
This is a celebration dance especially performed during weddings and other traditional gatherings.
It is normally performed by both men and women. The dancing techniques includesinging, clapping, and kicking.
The song accompanying it during the dance literary means: "Lady, go to the river, and meet your lover.
"
12. Driman {adungu duet}
Performing the adungu using the Alur technique, Leila and Holly play a melody whose articulated
lyrics mean "I love the soothing sound of these strings......."
13. Olukhun dance {Japadhola/Kumam}
This is an entertainment dance of the Japadhola and Kumam people from southeastern Uganda.
Traditionally performed by both men and women, they sing as they dance exhorting everybody present to shake
their 'flexible' limbs before they get 'stiff'.
