African drums Kpanlogo
Of the tribes of Ghana, West Africa, the traditional Kpanlogo drum is associated with the Kpanlogo music and dance of the Ga and Ewe tribes. The Kpanlogo is a member of the family of musical instruments of the membranophone, or patch-covered shell or vibrating stretched membrane.
The Kpanlogo ensemble consists of a variety of percussion instruments, including the Kpanlogo in a variety of sizes, the Djembe, and dunun drums, along with shekeres (shakers), metal bells. and cowbell.
The Kpanlogo drumhead is usually made from raw antelope hide leather, but it can also be made from cowhide or, less commonly, goatskin. The shaved heads of antelope and cow skin sound almost identical and provide a thick and strong drum surface. The skin is tightened and refined through the use of six wooden pegs. Through vigorous playing, the pitch may drop slightly. The tuning pegs allow easy correction by simply tapping the pegs with a rubber, wood or leather (NEVER metal!) Mallet until the desired tone is achieved.
The appearance of the Kpanlogo drum is very similar to that of the Conga drum. The Kpanlogo shell is carved from a single piece of wood, such as sustainably harvested Tweneboa or schwenoha wood. Each drum has detailed symbols, or adinkra, carved into the sides. Adinkra are visual representations of social, religious, and moral attitudes and beliefs, adding a unique beauty to each drum.
It can be played using any technique similar to Conga or Djembe Drums. Using his traditional technique, the Ghanaian Sheep developed five different sound variations.
1. Low: While holding fingers firmly together, palms slightly cupped, bounce off the center of the head.
2. Tone – Hit the head with your index finger. At the same time, allow the third knuckle to make contact with the edge of the drum.
3. Slap: Again, with steady fingers, strike the drumhead, while the top of the palm makes contact with the edge.
4. Silence: With firm fingertips, strike the drum, producing a toneless “dead” sound.
5. Silenced Slap: Create a high-pitched crack by placing the open palm of one hand on the drumhead and “slap” with the other hand.
The Kpanlogo is NOT designed to play with beaters or sticks. Although the antelope skin used for the drumhead is very strong, using objects to hit the drum can damage the drumhead.
Maintaining the status of your Kpanlogo requires little effort on your part. Both the head and the body can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth (NEVER WET!). The oils from your hands, transferred while you play, must be adequate to keep the drumhead flexible. DO NOT use commercial cleaners on the head or body of your drum, as this can damage the skin or body finish.
If the patch becomes too dry, for example if used infrequently for long periods of time, use a VERY LIGHT dressing of olive or other vegetable oil. Be careful to clean up ANY excess and be sure to remove any bandages that may drip onto the drum body. With proper use and care, your Kpanlogo drum should last a lifetime of drumming pleasure!