Educational Media Reviews Online

In 1996 Peter Bischoff published a video program entitled Listen to the Silence: A Film about African Cross Rhythms as Seen Through Ghanian Music (Films for the Humanities & Sciences) which began this investigation of African musical rhythms. He pointed out that these rhythms originated from the peace of nature, the singing cicadas, and the simple routines of the workday. Listen to the Silence: Rhythm in African Music (narrated by John Collins) continues this analysis of African musical rhythms. The video program points out that Africans listen to the silence as much as the beats in their creation of rhythm. Of course any American jazz drummer will tell you that playing the rests is as important as playing the beats, but this concept is taken even further in the polyrhythms of the music of Ghana. The film points out a number of the rhythms heard in this particular African village. The thesis of the investigation is that these rhythms originate from the sounds of children dancing, the night sounds of the cicadas, women pounding rhythmically as they grind grain, and the use of actual instruments heard in the village. The highlight of the program is the drumming by Akakpoli Afade, a master drummer of the village, who demonstrates a variety of instruments. He also demonstrates music of various African peoples including the Frafra, Ga, Ashanti, and Ewe. This film provides important insights into communal African music, and how it is integral to social interaction. It is highly recommended for all students of African music, and for all scholars interested in understanding the importance of rhythm in these societies.

Highly recommended