The Ka and the Gwoka are unwavering symbols of Guadeloupe's precious cultural heritage.
Genesis and rebirth: Gwoka, an echo of freedom and cultural heritage
Gwoka has its roots in the 18th century, during the era of slavery in Guadeloupe. This music draws its inspiration from the songs and percussions from West Africa, transmitted by the slaves of the plantations of the time. Often compared to the bèlè of Martinique, Gwoka was a way for slaves to express the torment caused by their condition, although it was prohibited before the abolition of slavery in France in 1848. It also served to invigorate the slaves, instilling in them courage for their laborious tasks.
In 2014, Gwoka was inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, encompassing the music, songs and dances symbolic of Guadeloupean identity. Every year, in Sainte-Anne, Guadeloupe, the Gwoka Festival has celebrated this heritage for over 35 years.
Photo credit: Caraibes-tourisme.fr
Copyright © 2020 Caraïbes Tourisme. All rights reserved.
What does Gwoka still symbolize today?
Today, Gwoka punctuates the important moments in the lives of Guadeloupeans: popular gatherings (léwòz), festivities (Chanté-Nwèl), funeral wakes, union and political events. Some contemporary artists draw inspiration from it. If you visit Guadeloupe, you can discover Gwoka every Saturday on the pedestrian street of Pointe-à-Pître!
Gwoka is divided into seven distinct rhythms, performed by a set of two drums: the boula, which marks the central rhythm, and the maké (“marker”), which accentuates the melody followed by the singer, dancers and responders (the choir).
These rhythms are as follows:
- Kaladja (love),
- Menndé (carnival, collective festivities),
- Léwoz (warrior rhythm),
- Padjanbèl (dance of workers for cutting cane),
- Woulé (“Creole waltz” to charm and satirize the white),
- Graj (for agricultural work),
- Toumblak (love, belly dance, dance of fertility, of the earth).
The artisanal making of Ka
The evolution of the Ka drum has spanned the ages. In its early days, Africans made it by digging wood. However, with the ban on taking wood from the forests, musicians had to look for alternatives, such as the salting barrels used to transport goods at the time.
During the 20th century, with the gradual decline of transport by salting, musicians had to learn to make their instruments from A to Z. They were thus inspired by the methods of cooperage (heating the wood then bending it).
Today, traditional Ka makers generally pass on their expertise from generation to generation. They make Kas from wood and goat skin using two main techniques: hand-worked wood (mahogany, pear, mahogany, or almond) and the barrel, made from preformed wooden slats, assembled and hooped with metal. With the problems associated with forest clearing and the arrival of salting barrels, the barrel Ka has become widespread to the detriment of wood. A more delicate goat skin, from females, allows for higher-pitched sounds. After being stretched and washed, the skin is finally affixed to the Ka.
Where to get your Ka?
Explore the remarkable work of traditional Ka makers on Ledoux Store and support their art by opting for custom manufacturing. Your Ka are available for order from 2 pieces.
