NANDI FLAME

Cellist - Gabriel Cabezas

Nandi Flame is a tree specie that grows naturally in Africa. This piece is based on the seven stroke form of the West African standard bell pattern. I wrote this piece by transforming this pattern into rhythms that highlight the variation techniques of the master drummer while also maintaining the original bell pattern in some sections. In this piece, the cellist assumes the role of bell player and master drummer.

ÈKÓ DANCE

Performers - Àkójopo Music Foundation

Èkó Dance is a piece dedicated to the city I grew up in and started my music career. In this piece, I use various idioms and elements often associated with West African music.