This combined lecture/workshop explores a feature of much sub-Saharan African music which has long fascinated Western, and indeed some African musicologists and other observers. We will consider such questions as, “Why is polyphonic interlocking such a widespread feature of musics in Africa and yet so rare elsewhere?” and “Why do so many Europeans often find it so challenging to perform such interlocking styles?” - prompting them to ask “Where is the beat?” From the outset this session will give an opportunity to perform songs from north-western Uganda on osegu (one note flutes) and to learn some of the techniques of xylophone playing in two regions of southern Uganda. The lecture will also make use of audio, video and slides made during fieldwork in Uganda.

Hocketing flutes, clamorous trumpets and chattering xylophones:
polyrhythmic textures and interlocking techniques in Ugandan music-making.

FREE

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Book event