The @Percussion - Episode 92 Nani Agbeli

092 - Nani Agbeli

We're all pretty jealous that Megan was able to bring Nani Agbeli to Mizzou to teach her students about Ewe music from Ghana: in drumming, dance, and song.  Nani teaches at Cal Arts, where his specialties and passions are shared. In addition to performing, he designs textiles and is a graphic designer- both skills he uses to enhance his musical artistry.

His family owns and operates a school devoted to teaching music of Ghana.  In addition to a beautiful accent, Nani provides some beautiful thoughts on this episode.

Watch here. Listen below.

0:00 Intro and hello
6:15 Ewe vs other West African drumming styles?
10:30 History of Ewe drumming? 
14:21 Nani's family arts center in Volta (Ghana)
18:10 Why study this music and culture? 
26:50 Requests for book writing and transcription
21:22 Teaching at CalArts
36:11 What aspect of this drumming and dancing is the most challenging to explain?
39:14 Responsibilities at CalArts
44:34 Design your own textiles? 
48:21 Coming to the US
52:25 Music/meaning/expression 
58:20 Our experience with African dance, Dane Richeson's class at ZMF
1:01:33 Quick quotes on Nani's website