Naawuni Mali Kpam Pam

After a drummer has shouldered the lunga drum, an invocation is played that serves several purposes. First, its sound indicates whether the drum is in good repair. Second, it announces to the other musicians, “I am ready to go.” Thirdly, it gives thanks to God and honors one’s ancestors and elders. The lunga invocation here, “Naawuni Mali Kpam Pam,” means “God is very powerful.” An expert drummer like Alhaji would continue by playing praise names of his family line and then might also include praise names of relevant chiefs and/or the patrons.


(view the files in the Digital Library)
Part-by-Part Sessions by Alhaji Abubakari
Time signature: 2/4
File Type leadlunga answerlunga gunggong answergunggong
Vocable – Audio
Vocable – Staff Notation Download
Drumming – Audio
Drumming – Staff Notation Download
Ensemble Recording Sessions
Multi-track Sessions by Alhaji Abubakari
DDD Sessions by Prof. Locke and Students