WOMAD

Ben Baddoo

From Ghana

Ben Baddoo is a master percussionist and drum maker who has travelled extensively throughout his native Ghana, exploring the indigenous musical traditions. Originally from the Ga people of Southern Ghana, he has been based in the UK for many years and has worked with WOMAD both as a performer and workshop leader. His drumming explores the infinite wealth of rhythms and timbres which can be produced from the traditional 'djembe', one of the most popular instruments to have travelled out of West Africa. Ben expertly and charismatically presents techniques of Ghanaian percussion and dance, illustrating the integral role that rhythm plays in everyday life in West Africa. "Ghanaian drumming" does scant justice to the feverish and exuberant performances invoked by Ben from his own palms, those of his retinue and anyone sucked into the maelstrom. Watch out!