Bolonba

WAPpages / Paul Nas / Last edited on 23-05-2012

The Bolonba (Bolomba) is not a traditional rhythm coming from one of the 'tribes' and used for some special occasion/rite. It is based on a rhythm played on the instrument M'bolon or Bolon. The M'bolon is an instrument made of a calabash, with a stick mounted on it and holding 3 strings (sometimes 4). You may think of it as the bass in the range of the traditional string instruments. It is usually used as a bass accompany in melodic pieces. The "National Ensemble Instrumental" of Guinea uses it in many pieces. Arafan Tour, has transferred this to the rhythm on drums. He has been teaching diferent variations in time. Call T f TT r l T l TT l r T r T r Djemb 1 TTB r l r B r B r TT r l SSS l r l B l

Djemb 2

S r

SS l r

TTS r l r

SS l r

T T r l

Djemb 3

S r

TTS r l r

B r

S r

SS l r

B r

Combi 1 kenkeni sangban doundoun

Combi 2 sangban doundoun x ! x ! x

x x x x

x x

(play the additional hit every other time)

Bolonba / WAP-pages / Paul Nas