Analyzing Iconic Guitarist Oliver Mtukudzi’s Drummer, James Austin Manyungwa Combining the traditional Jit, Tsotsa, and other rhythms of Zimbabwe, the late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi’s style could only be defined as distinctly his own. And beyond being an ideal showcase for his unique music, his legendary early-’90s release Shoko features James Austin Manyungwa on drumset laying down tight and fascinating African/soul grooves throughout. The three-against-two hemiolas felt in many of the 12/8 rhythms of Shoko help to push the music along, keeping it danceable yet elusive. And the 4/4 examples apply subtle beat displacement ideas that every funk drummer should stow away in their bag of tricks. Let’s dive in.   “Bvongodza Muto” On this track, which is listed in the liner notes as having a sped-up Jiti-Tsotsa rhythm, Manyungwa anticipates the snare drum and mixes in a nice hi-hat syncopation over a solid four-on-the-floor bass drum pattern. (0:06) Advertisement This […]

October 2019 Issue