In print | Published October 9, 2008

On Friday, Oct. 3 the Ghanaian Saakumu Dance Troupe, led by musician and master of the Ghanian gyil Bernard Woma, entered through the rear of the Lang Concert Hall with an outburst of lively drumming and singing in a performance that combined traditional West African culture with more contemporary dance forms.

Woma, a charismatic performer, enraptured the audience with his powerful voice and warm persona while the broad smile and palpable passion of Philadelphia-based musician Gina Ferrera complemented the seemingly effortless movements of leading Saakumu member Peace Elewonu.
After the first few pieces, a surge of energy took hold of the room when Woma encouraged the audience to sing and dance along with the performers. “African music isn’t about sitting around,” Woma said. Shari Rutherford ’12 did not hesitate to respond to Woma’s call for audience participation. Eager to show off her newly acquired African dance skills, the confident first-year boldly initiated the audience’s participation by getting up on stage to dance.

A passionate artist and educator, Woma was thrilled to have the opportunity to share both his music and Ghanaian traditions with the Swarthmore community. As one of Ghana’s most acclaimed xylophone players, Woma has performed at New York City’s Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. In addition to his leadership of the Saakuma Dance Troupe and Ghana’s Dagura Music and Arts Center, Woma has spearheaded an advocacy campaign to bring cleaner drinking water to the residents of his village, Hiineteng, in the northwestern region of Ghana. Woma said he sees his music as a medium for fostering cross-cultural communication empathy. “My music ties cultures together. It’s not about giving, it’s about sharing,” Woma said.

The gyil, a Ghanaian percussion instrument that resembles a wooden xylophone suspended on a frame of grounds, has been a central part of Woma’s life since he started playing the instrument at the age of two. Producing a distinctive buzzing sound that is both warm and uniquely resonant, the gyil creates the impression that multiple instruments are being played simultaneously.

Gyils are traditionally played in pairs with wooden mallets at a variety of social gatherings, ranging from festivals to ceremonies. According to Sasha Shahidi ’09, who learned to play the instrument in a workshop with Ferrera last year, “The gyil is so connected to the earth. Original gyils did not have gourds but were played over a hole in the ground.”

Woma’s visit was particularly exciting for those students who are part of the Swarthmore Gyil Ensemble, which is made possible by the Fetter Chamber Music Program. Attending workshops with Woma and hearing him play was an inspiration to the small but passionate ensemble comprised of three Swarthmore students and Biochemistry Professor Judy Voet.

For ensemble member Myles Dakan ’10, who was first exposed to the unique instrument a year ago, Woma’s visit to Swarthmore was “a whirlwind of excitement.” Madrianne Wong ’11, another member of the ensemble, was in awe of Woma’s skills. “He makes it look so natural. His hands just fly. I can’t believe he’s here! He’s the master of the gyil,” Wong said, adding that she has been fascinated by the instrument since she was first exposed to its unique sound. “I’d never heard anything like it.”

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