Rhythm in Africa: Ghana

Evu

A general Anlo-Ewe name for a drum made with a stretched vibrating membrane.

Atsimevu (Grandfather)

The lead drum of an Anlo-Ewe instrumental ensemble, responsible for directing and organizing the other instruments.

Sogo (Father)

An Anlo-Ewe drum that can serve as either a lead drum or a supporting drum depending on the music.

Kidi (Mother)

A higher-pitched Anlo-Ewe drum that mainly supports the other instruments in the ensemble.

Kagan (Baby Brother)

The smallest Anlo-Ewe drum in the ensemble, tuned to produce the highest pitch.

Boba (Uncle)

A large Anlo-Ewe drum with a deep bass sound that can serve as either a lead or supporting drum.

Kroboto / Totodzi (Brothers/Twins)

Two small, similarly shaped Anlo-Ewe drums that are tuned differently and can serve as supporting or lead drums.

Gankogui

A two-pitch iron bell that provides a steady guiding pattern for the Anlo-Ewe ensemble.

Atoke (A Taco)

A boat-shaped iron bell that produces a high ringing sound and serves a similar musical function to the larger iron bell.

Axatse

A hollow gourd covered with a net of beads or seeds that produces rattling sounds when struck or shaken.