My Encounter with the Peruvian Drum Box and Its Meaning
5 June 2015
| Mauricio Izquierdo
My Encounter with the Peruvian Drum Box and Its Meaning
Latin America is known for its diverse musical rhythms and also the creation of large variety of local instruments. Many of them come from African or indigenous origins, which makes them extremely valuable, as most of them are still used by bands and orchestras, not only to preserve and promote musical heritage, but to enrich compositions, songs and arrangements.
Almost a year ago I had the opportunity to interview Ecuadoran musician Saed Zabana, probably one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It turns out this man dedicates himself (besides music), to creating Peruvian Drum boxes with his own hands, a craft he decided to develop after a life experience that changed his way to see and do things: He found God.
For several years, Saed has made this part of his daily work, earning international recognition, to the point where many latin musicians use his Drum Boxes in their bands, not only because of their quality, but also because of the life philosophy behind his brand, Zukran Music. What attracted me to these instruments was how they acquire a different meaning when they’re created by an individual like Saed, who gives alot of attention to each piece, made to order.
The history of the Drum Boxes, popularized in Peru by indigenous and afrodescendent people, dates back to colonization. Africans made these wooden boxes, which at the time didn’t have the characteristic acoustic hole they have now, to communicate amongst each other. Given the repression of those days, the boxes were disguised and used as seats and were largely invisible to the colonizer.
More:
http://www.telesurtv.net/english/bloggers/My-Encounter-with-the-Peruvian-Drum-Box-and-Its-Meaning-20150605-0001.html
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