What is a Master Drummer?
Moses has detailed qualifications from the Arts Center in Ghana acknowleging his profession of master of the Ethnic Music of Ghana.
It describes Moses's job in a cultural context in Ghana. As leader of a traditional music troup, He is responsible for the authenticity of the overall music presented.
In Africa, the drumming, dancing and singing go together.
The basic instruments include: bass drums, high drums, bell, shaker. Generally the instruments used vary depending what culture Moses is playing from.
Once the framework of the rhythms is established, the dancer is called(on the drum) to dance the set dance in response to the rhythms (solos) that match that particular dance.
Moses directs their performances for cultural authenticity. The master drummer will raise the song, African songs are usually call and response, the person raising the song is doing the call, the rest of the troup will respond.
Moses knows the music of many African countries. The Tribes of the Northern region of Ghana, the Volta region, Greater Accra and Ashanti region are his specialties. Also the music of the tribes of Nigeria, Togo, South Africa, Guinea, Senegal and the Ivory coast.
Moses went through a highly disciplined apprenticeship in Ghana. It is a profession gained out of hard work and perserverence.
