Ogene Anuka, the Master Bell

My neighbors in the blogosphere have been throwing a great Nigerian listening party these last few weeks.  John over at Likembe has shared some terrific King Sunny Ade and Chief Commander Obey, Moos at Global Grooves has devoted a week to Nigerian recordings, featuring some terrific Apala, eastern Highlife and Juju, and Music Republic has featured some terrific Yusuf Olatunji, Haruna Ishola and, more recently, a wonderful King Sunny Ade platter.  I thought I would join the party and share one of my most cherished Nigerian recordings.



This cassette features Ogene Anuka music from the town of Aguleri, in Anambra state, one of the cradles of Igbo civilization.  According to author O'dyke Nzewi:

Ogene Anuka music, with its vibrant character, evokes feelings of bravery and jubilation. Although the music is of primarily contemplative conception, its effect compels action, which can be expressed in bold dance gestures by performers as well as the stimulated listeners. Lyrics recount the social image, accomplishments and exploits of the patrons who hire the ensemble for their social events and private celebrations.

The Ogene Anuka is a two-man orchestra. The master musician normally plays the quad-bell, while the complementary musician plays the double bell. The double bell is ordinarily carried with the open end up and facing away from the body of the player, such that the large bell balances between the base of the thumb and part of the lower arm. The quad-bell may either rest on the left lap while being played, or be carried on its arched handle, to which the smaller double bell is fixed. The bell is played with a thick stick, about 20 cm in length, with a fibrous striking end. 

The Ogene Anuka orchestra is said to have developed from a now extinct form of horn music duo--two musicians playing two pairs of water-buffalo horns.  This horn is hollow, with a conical shape, and is also very strong and highly resonant.  When a pair of horns is struck together a musical sound is produced.  Later on, bells replaced the horns in this local musical style.  The technology of the bell later advanced to develop special design features suited to the complex musical structure known as Ogene Anuka.  The musicians collaborated with specialist blacksmiths to construct the peculiar shapes and combinations of the bells to produce the distinctive sound quality.  


I don't know anything about this particular group, other than the fact that they are from Aguleri.  They seem to have released an LP in 1977, and they have released at least two cassettes.  On this cassette, the duo sing the praises of the Mmeghe age grade, the grade that oversees the development activities of the town.

Download Ogene Peter Na Ananti - Mmeghe Age Grade, Aguleri

This is some of the most soothing music I know.  The interplay between the bells and the hocketing voices always settles my brain.

Enjoy!

    


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