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Playable heritage gameIsukuti drum dance
Also known as Isukuti
Isukuti is the fast drumming and dance of the Isukha and Idakho Luhya communities of western Kenya. A team of drummers layers a large drum, answering smaller drums and sticks, while a crowd of dancers moves to the beat.
How to play
- Four drum pads sit across the screen: the large lead drum, the answering drum, a high slapped drum and the sticks.
- Each mark that falls onto the line is one stroke: strike its pad when it arrives.
- The pulse runs in threes, like a gallop; listen for the lead drum on the strong beat and the answers just behind it.
Rules at a glance
- Eight beats form one pattern and the pattern is played twice.
- Beats are split in three, so strokes can land on the beat or a third or two thirds after it.
- A stroke on time scores in full, one a little off scores less, and an extra stroke costs a little.
- Three patterns are included, from a slow warm-up to a fast layered one.
About the tradition
Isukuti is played by Isukha and Idakho drummers of the Luhya people in western Kenya at festive gatherings, with a lead drum, answering drums and dancers, often at a fast pace. Its patterns are passed on in the community by playing together.
Origins
A living tradition passed from person to person; it is not tied to a single dated origin.
Credits
- Rhythm patterns: World Heritage Games (original teaching patterns)
- Photo: Lebu Ayiga, CC BY-SA 4.0, source on Wikimedia Commons
- Text: CC BY-SA 4.0, World Heritage Games.
Sources
Get the app
Isukuti drum dance is one of 10 drums and rhythms in the Drum Music of the World app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Live on Google Play. Submitted to the App Store; in review, and the store link appears here the day it goes live. One app, many traditions, no account needed.
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