Text by Moosje M Goosen
Writer and reader Moosje M Goosen follows the beat — and the off-beat — in a variety of ways. Listen to the pulse, the drums and the break as the seasons change.
A Different Drum (Spring)
The high pitched ‘petit’ drum supplies the energy and holds down an unvaried rhythm. The ‘seconde’ drum supports the movements of the dancers. The ‘mamman’ drum with its complex and varied rhythms occasionally contributes a ‘break’ (cassé) in the beat. This temporary departure sometimes instills a loa in the head of the worshipped (possession). The musical statements are made by the drum and not by the drummer.
— Maya Deren, Divine Horsemen. The Voodoo Gods of Haiti, Lyr (…)
