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World Music Discoveries: Drums and Djembes of Burkina Faso
World Music Discoveries Drums and Djembes of Burkina Faso
Director: Patrick Kersal
Genres: Indie & Art House, Music Video & Concerts, Special Interests, Educational, Mystery & Suspense
NR     2004

Deep in the bush of Burkina Faso, the drum is a sacred instrument surrounded by taboos and mystery. It takes on endless shapes and performs many functions: taking the place of the human voice, carrying news, conferring pra...  more »

     
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Movie Details

Director: Patrick Kersal
Genres: Indie & Art House, Music Video & Concerts, Special Interests, Educational, Mystery & Suspense
Sub-Genres: Indie & Art House, Pop, Rock & Roll, International, Art & Artists, Educational, Mystery & Suspense
Studio: Playasound
Format: DVD - Color
DVD Release Date: 02/03/2004
Release Year: 2004
Screens: Color
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaDVD Credits: 1
Total Copies: 0
Members Wishing: 1
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Languages: English, French, French, German

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Movie Reviews

The ultimate introduction to African rhythm
The Delite Rancher | Phoenix, Arizona | 01/02/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)

""Drums and Djembes of Burkina Faso" is not only a thorough look at rhythm in the featured country, but it may be the best introduction to African rhythm on any DVD. The program is extremely well-done in every respect. First, the content is poignant and thorough. Various drums and musical instruments are not only identified, but their cultural uses are explained and shown. There may be no other video program that so plainly explains the dynamics of talking drums. While balaphones, water drums and several other drums are explored, the real star is the hour glass shaped djembe. The stellar performances show how Africans have refined rhythm to the same level that the European symphony orchestra developed ideas such as harmony, polyphony and modulation. In addition to interviewing masters, the creation of djembes is shown. Rhythm is explored with respect to issues such as rural vs. urban, women vs. men, sacred vs. secular, and traditional vs. modern. Drums and rhythms are always identified by a particular ethnic group. The photo gallery labels the featured drums, enabling viewers to know how to pronounce and spell the names of instruments. The video footage is excellent. The video, audio and editing is high-quality. Beyond such qualities, this may be the friendliest DVD with respect to compatibility. Available in English, French and German, one side of the disc plays the program in NTSC (American coding) while the other side plays in PAL (European) compatible DVD players. At twenty-five minutes, the only potential drawback to "Drums and Djembes of Burkina Faso" may be the length. That written, the length is perfect for classroom use. Speaking of classrooms, this program is suitable for educational institutions of any level, despite the lack of a rating. Whether for schools, hand drum enthusiasts or the uninitiated, "Drums and Djembes of Burkina Faso" is an essential look at rhythm in Burkino Faso and an excellent representation of African music.

PS. At the time of review, this DVD was incorrectly labeled "World Music Discoveries: Drums and Djembes of Burkino Faso." The nation is not Burkino Faso, it's Burkina Faso -there's an 'a' at the end of Burkina. "Burkina" is translated as "men of integrity," from the Moré language while "Faso" means "father's house" in Dioula. Not being Spanish, gender agreement isn't an issue."