Ato presents ... the importance of bell (cow bell) in our community and the Asafo traditional bell patterns.
Ato, from Ghana on the West Coast of Africa, is a composer, drummer and a percussionist. He has been inspired by western music, Reggae, African indigenous music and continental highlife music. Playing drums in bands in Ghana, he would often play gigs for eight hours straight. It took a while for him to get used to shorter performances when he moved to Wellington several years ago. He has been busy in NZ, most recently joining Orchestra of Spheres, and collaborates with many groups. He says he is looking forward for much growth in the music world.
Asafo is an ancient warrior culture that exists in the Akan societies of Ghana. Asafo music, performed by drum ensembles, is played to invoke spirits, especially when performing rituals. The texts are often in praise of gods and ancestors. They are also about wars, and the music can be performed to provoke enemies.
In the Asafo drum ensemble, the dawur (bell) is the lead instrument. This metallic cow bell controls the tempo and regulates the rhythmic cycles of the group. The other five drums are made of hollow wood with calf skin or deer skin stretched over one end and tightened with heavy threads. Sacrifices of eggs and chickens are sometimes made to these drums.
P-Lab is a series of artist-run talks and workshops at Pyramid Club.
Many thanks to Creative NZ and Wellington City Council for supporting Pyramid Club's programme.
