N'dehou

N’dehou was inspired by a musical technique invented by the indigenous groups of the Congo region of Central Africa. The technique, which was recorded for UNESCO in the 1960s, involves a performer alternately singing and playing a one note bamboo flute in an interlocking rhythm. This idea was initially brought to my attention as a youngster on Herbie Hancock’s track Watermelon Man, from his Head Hunters album, where percussionist Bill Summers adapted the same technique by blowing into a beer bottle. At the time I was not aware of the origins of this technique and later rediscovered it after watching Francis Bebey’s short video explaining it. The onomatopoeic word n’dehou can refer equally to the instrument, the technique, and the sound that is created. My piece sets out to capture this sound. I also wanted to focus on creating a contrapuntal piece, that uses hocketing, contrasting dynamics and pace to imbue the piece with energy and drive.

© 2025 Daniel Kidane