Bikutsi is a Cameroonian music genre originating from the Beti, an ethnic group in and around the capital city Yaoundé. Meaning “beat the earth,” it features insistent cross-rhythms and a driving triplet feel, often counted in 12/8 or 6/8 time. Traditionally played at important community gatherings such as weddings and festivals, Bikutsi emphasizes … More Rhythms From the World #5 – Bikutsi

Today we discover the classical Egyptian rhythm known as Zarafat (also spelled Dharafat), commonly performed in Arabic muwashahat music. While specific details about Zarafat might be scarce, Egyptian music is deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world, which emphasizes melodic complexity and rhythmic nuance. Traditionally Arabic music … More Rhythms From the World #4 – Zarafat

In this new episode, we explore the Samai Thaqil, a rhythm originating and used in traditional belly dance music, adapting it to the drumset. “Belly dance” is a Western umbrella term encompassing various dance styles originating from countries in the Middle East, North Africa, Eastern Europe (the Balkans), and Mediterranean Sea areas. The accompanying music … More Rhythms From the World #3 – Samai Thaqil

With this second episode, we explore the Pambiche, a style of music and dance related to Merengue that originated in the Dominican Republic in the mid-19th century. It features rhythms and instrumentation similar to Merengue but has a distinct flavor. Pambiche is often associated with the eastern region of the Dominican Republic, particularly in areas … More Rhythms From the World #2 – Pambiche

We inaugurate this new series dedicated to rhythms from around the world with Chaabi, a traditional music genre originating from Maghreb and Egypt. The Maghreb region comprises western and central North African states: Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, the disputed territory of Western Sahara, and a series of Spanish overseas minor territories known as Plazas de … More Rhythms From the World #1 – Chaabi