Korean Traditional Musical Instruments gain ground in Nigeria, as students graduate

The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria in conjunction with Drumsview Concepts put together Janggu and Samulnori classes tutored by Isioma Williams a graduate of the Cultural Partnership Initiative (CPI) Programme in South Korea.

The Janggu and Samulnori quarter 1 Class which began 3 months ago came to an end on May 19, 2017. The lessons comprises a theory section (Jang-gu Profile/History and Percussion music note) and Practical Section (Playing, site-reading, scoring and notation). At the end of the training course, the facilitator (Isioma Williams) will create a group of Jang-gu drummers made up of 8 persons to form “the Jang-gu drum Ensemble of Nigeria”, that will perform at various Korean Cultural Centre’s programs and Events. Graduating students also received certificates of completion.

The janggu is the most representative drum in traditional. It is available in most kinds, and consists of an hourglass-Shaped body with two heads made from animal skin. The two heads produce sounds of different pitch and timbre, which when played together are believed to represent the harmony of man and woman.

Samul nori is a genre of percussion music originating in Korea. The word samul means "four objects" and nori means "play"; Samul nori is performed with four traditional Korean musical instruments: Kkwaenggwari (a small gong), Jing (a larger gong) ,Janggu (an hourglass-shaped drum) and Buk(drum) (a barrel drum similar to the bass drum).  

Samulnori Graduating students celebrate with a valedictory performance.

Graduating students pose with Isioma Williams.