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35 Traditional African Songs For Tongue Drum And Handpan

Fletcher Mitchell

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Published in 35 Traditional African Songs For Tongue Drum And Handpan: Play By Number

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Discover the mesmerizing rhythms and soulful melodies of traditional African music with our compilation of 35 timeless songs specially curated for tongue drum and handpan enthusiasts. From the vibrant beats of West Africa to the haunting melodies of East Africa, these traditional tunes will transport you to the rich cultural heritage of the African continent.

1. "Kpanlogo" - Ghana

Immerse yourself in the energetic sounds of Ghana with "Kpanlogo," a traditional dance rhythm synonymous with the Ga people of Accra. This lively tune will have your tongue drum resonating with its infectious beats, making you want to move your body to the rhythm.

2. "Mbira" - Zimbabwe

Experience the hypnotic melodies of the mbira, a thumb piano indigenous to Zimbabwe. This traditional instrument produces enchanting tunes that will transport you to the African savannah and fill your heart with a sense of tranquility.

35 Traditional African Songs for Tongue Drum and Handpan: Play by Number

by Helen Winter([Print Replica] Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	44923 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	47 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

3. "Samba" - Senegal

Get ready to sway your body to the vibrant rhythms of "Samba," a traditional Senegalese dance originating from the Wolof people. The repetitive patterns of the handpan will perfectly complement this energetic song, creating a captivating musical experience.

4. "Hakuna Matata" - Kenya

Relive the magic of "The Lion King" with this iconic phrase turned catchy song. The playful melody of "Hakuna Matata" will bring joy and nostalgia as you explore its rhythmic possibilities on your tongue drum or handpan.

5. "Fanga Alafia" - West Africa

Experience the warmth and unity of West Africa with "Fanga Alafia," a traditional song that means "welcome" in Yoruba. Let your tongue drum echo the spirit of togetherness through its melodious tones, capturing the essence of this timeless African tune.

6. "Djembe Beats" - Mali

Unleash the powerful beats of the djembe, a skin-covered African drum, with this rhythmic composition inspired by the traditional rhythms of Mali. Let your handpan effortlessly blend with the djembe's pulsating tones, creating a captivating musical dialogue.

7. "Isicathamiya" - South Africa

Indulge in the harmonious vocal harmonies of "Isicathamiya," a traditional South African music genre made famous by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Let your handpan add a mesmerizing layer of melody to this acapella song, creating a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds.

8. "Mbalax" - Senegal

Feel the rhythm of the sabar drums and the energetic dance moves with "Mbalax," a popular music genre from Senegal. Let your tongue drum emulate the electrifying beats, taking you on a musical journey through the vibrant streets of Dakar.

9. "Kwela" - South Africa

Step into the lively world of South African townships with the quintessential sound of "Kwela." This joyful melody will have your handpan resonating with its cheerful tunes, evoking images of bustling streets filled with laughter and dancing.

10. "Zamrock" - Zambia

Embark on a psychedelic journey with the funky tunes of "Zamrock," a music genre that emerged in 1970s Zambia. Let your tongue drum recreate the groovy guitar riffs and infectious rhythms, transporting you to a different era of African music.

11. "Highlife" - Nigeria

Immerse yourself in the joyful sounds of "Highlife," a genre that originated in Nigeria and Ghana in the early 20th century. Allow your handpan to capture the essence of this uplifting music, known for its infectious rhythms and melodic guitar lines.

12. "Nyabinghi" - Jamaica

Discover the roots of reggae music with the traditional percussion rhythms of "Nyabinghi." Originally from Africa but popularized by Rastafarian culture in Jamaica, this hypnotic beat will have your handpan echoing the spiritual sounds of the African diaspora.

13. "Abakua" - Cuba

Experience the fusion of African and Cuban rhythms with "Abakua," a traditional music genre derived from secret societies in the Caribbean. Allow your tongue drum to merge the percussive elements of African music with the melodic richness of Cuban traditions.

14. "Taarab" - Zanzibar

Indulge in the melodic beauty of "Taarab," a popular music genre from the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar. Let your handpan resonate with the delicate melodies and intricate rhythms, painting a vivid musical picture of the Swahili culture.

15. "Juju" - Nigeria

Explore the rhythmic versatility of "Juju," a popular Nigerian music genre that blends traditional African sounds with modern instruments. The combination of your tongue drum and handpan will reflect the melodic complexity and upbeat nature of this iconic genre.

16. "Gwarri Dance" - Nigeria

Embrace the vibrant energy of Nigerian culture with the rhythmic beats of "Gwarri Dance," a traditional dance form native to the Urhobo people. Allow your handpan to emulate the percussive sounds of this celebratory dance, encouraging you to move along.

17. "Makossa" - Cameroon

Feel the infectious grooves of "Makossa," a lively music genre from Cameroon. Let your tongue drum replicate the catchy bass lines and syncopated rhythms, creating a vibrant musical experience that will make it hard to resist dancing.

18. "Umqombothi" - South Africa

Get your feet tapping to the catchy rhythms of "Umqombothi," a beloved song by South African musician Yvonne Chaka Chaka. Allow your handpan to harmonize with the joyful melodies of this iconic tune, channeling the spirit of African dance parties.

19. "Séwéré" - Mali

Experience the soul-stirring sounds of Malian music with "Séwéré," a heartfelt song by Oumou Sangaré. Let your handpan echo the emotional depth and melodic richness of this African ballad, transporting you to the heart of Mali's musical heritage.

20. "Salsa" - Latin America

Discover the Afro-Latin roots of salsa music, a genre that seamlessly blends African and Latin American rhythms. Allow your tongue drum to take on the vibrant beats of salsa, creating a fusion of cultures that celebrates the African influence on Latin music.

21. "Shosholoza" - South Africa

Join in on the harmonious journey of "Shosholoza," a traditional South African work song often sung by miners during the apartheid era. Let your handpan combine with the melodic voices, harmonizing with the uplifting lyrics and rhythmic melodies.

22. "Benga" - Kenya

Embrace the lively dance rhythms of "Benga," a genre that originated in Kenya's Luo community. Allow your tongue drum to groove along with the catchy guitar melodies, capturing the joyful spirit and infectious energy of this popular African style.

23. "Rumba" - Congo

Immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of Congolese rumba, a genre characterized by its smooth melodies and intricate guitar arrangements. The harmonious tones of your handpan will blend seamlessly with the rhythmic patterns, taking you on a musical journey through the heart of Africa.

24. "Kizomba" - Angola

Indulge in the sensual and romantic rhythms of "Kizomba," a music genre that originated in Angola. Allow your handpan to set the mood with its melodic tones, creating a captivating atmosphere reminiscent of African dance and love.

25. "Griot" - Senegal

Experience the storytelling tradition of the griots, the custodians of West African history and culture. Let your tongue drum capture the essence of their ancient melodies, evoking a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the rich African heritage.

26. "Mbaqanga" - South Africa

Get ready to dance with the lively beats of "Mbaqanga," a South African music genre characterized by its energetic guitar lines and infectious rhythms. Let your handpan add a melodic layer to this vibrant tune, creating a musical fusion that celebrates the diversity of African music.

27. "Sukus" - Congo

Embrace the energetic sounds of Congolese soukous, a genre that will transport you to the lively streets of Kinshasa. Allow your handpan to mimic the joyful guitar melodies and syncopated rhythms, bringing the spirit of African celebration to life.

28. "Reggae" - Jamaica

Experience the roots of reggae music, a genre that originated in Jamaica and was heavily influenced by African musical traditions. Let your tongue drum echo the upbeat rhythms and bass lines, embodying the laid-back spirit and social consciousness of this iconic genre.

29. "Bamoun" - Cameroon

Immerse yourself in the rhythmic complexity of "Bamoun," a traditional music genre from Cameroon's Bamoun Kingdom. Let your handpan explore the intricate melodies and syncopated rhythms, creating a captivating musical dialogue that honors the African cultural heritage.

30. "Islands of Africa" - Cape Verde

Discover the soulful melodies of Cape Verdean music, often referred to as the "Islands of Africa." Allow your handpan to resonate with the emotional depth and nostalgia embedded in these beautiful songs, reflecting the cultural richness of this African archipelago.

31. "Berber" - North Africa

Embark on a musical journey through North Africa with the haunting melodies of Berber music. Let your tongue drum evoke the acoustic beauty and cultural diversity of the Berber people, capturing the essence of their unique musical traditions.

32. "Bata" - Nigeria

Immerse yourself in the sacred chants and percussive rhythms of "Bata," a traditional music genre associated with the Yoruba people of Nigeria. Allow your handpan to resonate with the spiritual sounds, channeling the rich cultural heritage of African rituals and ceremonies.

33. "Mandinka" - Gambia

Experience the melodic richness of "Mandinka," a traditional music genre from Gambia. Let your tongue drum replicate the intricate melodies and rhythmic patterns, paying homage to the vibrant musical traditions of the Mandinka people.

34. "Afrobeat" - Nigeria

Pay tribute to the legendary Fela Kuti with the infectious rhythms of Afrobeat, a genre that fuses traditional Nigerian music with funk and jazz influences. Let your handpan groove to the Afrobeat vibes, capturing the spirit of rebellion and social commentary embedded in this iconic music.

35. "Touareg" - Mali

Transport yourself to the Sahara desert with the mesmerizing sounds of "Touareg" music, a genre that reflects the nomadic lifestyle of the Tuareg people. Allow your handpan to echo the haunting melodies and hypnotic rhythms, capturing the essence of this ancient African culture.

As you explore these 35 traditional African songs for tongue drum and handpan, let the rhythms and melodies guide you on a captivating journey through the diverse musical traditions of the African continent. From West Africa to East Africa, from Zimbabwe to Senegal, each song showcases the true essence of African soundscapes, allowing you to connect with the rich cultural heritage of this vast and vibrant continent.

35 Traditional African Songs for Tongue Drum and Handpan: Play by Number

by Helen Winter([Print Replica] Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	44923 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	47 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

The steel tongue drum (aka tong drum, tank drum, gluck-o-phone, hapi, or steeldrum) and the handpan (aka hank drum, UFO drum, zen drum, meditation, healing, or chakra drum) are percussion musical instruments designed to help you focus on your feelings, sensations, and body. You don't need classical music training or knowledge of music theory to play them. The main purpose is relaxation, meditation, and traveling through your inner world. This book is aimed at those who want to add popular melodies to their experimentation.

The Famous African Songs were adapted here for Tongue Drum and Handpan. We believe that African songs, due to their clear rhythmic patterns, are ideal for tongue and hang drums.
These songs are possible to play on most drum models.

We write the note numbers above the notes because our sheet music is aimed at absolute beginners.Just follow numbers and enjoy.
Also, we add a QR code to most songs. Follow the link and find this song on YouTube, so that you can listen to the rhythm before beginning to play.

For which tongue drum are these songs suitable?

Each tongue drum is very different and it is impossible to accommodate songs for all kinds of tongue drums in one book.
The songs which have been collected in this book can be played on most drum models. If you have less than 1 octave of keys on your drum, you may need to skip some songs. However, if your drum has many sharp notes, you will need a book that contains chromatic songs.
Here, we have collected only simplified diatonic melodies.