Cities And Memory

"With its sharp, clipped sounds and natural rhythm, this recording immediately drew me in. It felt like a composition in itself, already crafted, and required little manipulation to tease out its natural syncopation and lively tempo. In my reimagined piece, I aimed to enhance these natural rhythms, capturing the physicality of Kente weaving - the movement of hands, the crossings of parallel threads, the interplay of warp and weft.  "As I listened, the percussive quality of the weaving reminded me of the gyil, the traditional Ghanaian xylophone/ wooden. The gyil’s bright, buzzing resonance created by its gourd resonators mirrors the sounds of the wooden loom and treadles. Inspired by this connection, I incorporated gyil-like tonal elements into the composition and played with a few samples. The warm, resonant timbres of the instrument blend with the weaving sounds, creating a dialogue between craftsmanship and music, tradition and reinterpretation. This interplay between instrument and craft reflects the deep