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Periodical issue Periodical issue Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Lunsi (drummers) of Dagbon: tradition and change
Editors:Abdallah, Zablong ZakariahISNI
Locke, DavidISNI
Year:2010
Periodical:Research Review (ISSN 0855-4412)
Issue:21
Pages:67
Language:English
Geographic term:Ghana
Subjects:musicians
drumming
Dagomba
History, Archaeology
Dagbani (African people)--Social life and customs
Dagbani (African people)--Origin
Drummers (Musicians)
Abstract:The Dagbamba (Dagomba) of northern Ghana consider their territory to be a powerful kingdom. In the chieftaincy institution of Dagbon, the drummers ('Lunsi') are court historians, musicians, geographers, consultants, advisers, judges, chroniclers of the past and recorders of the present. They are also teachers, researchers and carvers. However modern trends, such as television, video, cinema and discos, are reducing the rate of recruitment and training of 'Lunsi'. Moreover, people prefer these modern forms of entertainment to watching 'Lunsi' performances. The present publication investigates the reasons behind the declining rates of recruitment and training of 'Lunsi' and the overall impact this has on the institution of 'Lunsi', in addition to the impact of the decline of the 'culture of care'. The author draws on interviews with drummers as well as his own lifetime experience as a drummer in the service of Dagbon. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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