29 Mar 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking
# A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Gahu

Bio

Gahu is a unique rhythm based approach to Jazz and World Music playing a combination of modern and traditional instruments. They play original tunes with an afrobeat, based around polyrhythmic percussion and improvisation.

Gahu is an inspired long-term project coming to fruition; exciting modal tunes with improvisation by modern and traditional instruments, driven by syncopated rhythm - based grooves.

The extensive depth of talent and experience of the Gahu players woven with the irresistible call of traditional Ghana dance rhythms, produces inspired compositions well rooted in New Zealand music, which can be described as jazz fusion and some has a latin inclination, but really it is a local Grey Lynn sound which has taken shape over the last 10 years.

Band Members:
Bud Hooper (ghana drums, drums, percussion)
Lance McNicoll (guitar, percussion, backing vocals)
Cadzow Cossar (guitar, percussion)
Jane McAllister (bass, ghana drums, percussion, backing vocals)
Ben McNicoll (saxophones, percussion, backing vocals, conch)
Chris Neilson (trumpet, saxophones, percussion, backing vocals, conch)

Releases

Genres

Location

  • Auckland


Comments (Newest First)

Shade
muzic.net.nz Admin

Joined: 17/07/02
Posts: 5067
Location: Manawatu
View Profile
Gahu Media Releases
Posted: Thu Aug 19, 2004 8:20 pm
Dougal Records presents
A Celebration of African music
Kinka Drum ensemble
Playing traditional rhythms of Ghana, West Africa
Album Release Party
Gahu
World jazz of Aotearoa
and DJ Joe
Brix Bar & Cafe 280 K'Road
Saturday September 18 9.30 til late

The music of Kinka is an exciting and energetic event, bestowing performers and audience with strong feelings of well - being. Lead drummer Yaw (YB)Boateng directs the changing rhythms while improvising, singing and dancing.

Yaw Boateng grew up in the Volta region of Southern Ghana and the Ashanti capital of Kumasi. He came to New Zealand in 2003 to study at Unitec in Auckland. He met Bud Hooper there and discovered that Bud had been to Ghana to study drumming only 50 miles from his home village.

Bud is the director of the Gahu Drum and Dance Society of Aotearoa formed in 1993 under the guidance of master drummer and dancer Godwin Agbeli from the village of Kopeyia in southern Ghana. The group focuses on the study and performance of traditional polyrhythmic ensemble drumming, dancing and singing of West Africa.

The performance group consists of up to a seven piece drum ensemble, each drum in the ensemble holds a 'support' or 'answer' rhythm which combines with the other drum motifs producing an exciting music of rhythmic sophistication. The lead drum, while playing within an improvisatory context, directs the changing rhythms.

Helen Clark speaking at the “...very first Ghana Day celebrations in New Zealand... I think that what was happening on the stage there shows how special the bringing of new ideas and new customs to New Zealand can be.... what I love to see is people from different backgrounds coming here, mixing with the locals and producing new sights and sounds, I think that’s really special and that’s going to be the New Zealand of the future..”
Mt Albert Hall, Auckland March 7 2004
 

Shade
muzic.net.nz Admin

Joined: 17/07/02
Posts: 5067
Location: Manawatu
View Profile
Gahu Media Releases
Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2004 8:39 am
This extraordinary band, Gahu, released their innovative album Hot Planet to high critical acclaim, spearheading a new style of New Zealand music, a style that rejoices in the name Afro-Kiwi. Graham Reid in the NZ Herald and Mike Mather of the Rotorua Daily Post both rate the music **** (4 stars) while John Kennedy from the Dominion awards ***1/2 stars and enthuses about a ‘confident and promising debut.

Gahu have been astounding audiences around the country by their unique rhythm-based approach to Jazz and World Music with exciting improvisation on modern and traditional instruments.

During July Gahu will be appearing at:
The Victoria Park Markets on Saturday July 10 12.30 - 3pm and Odeon Lounge, 3 Mt Eden Road, on Saturday July 17, 9pm start.

Performance highlights for Gahu in 2004 have been:
The very first Ghana Day celebrations in New Zealand where the Prime Minister said “I think that what was happening on the stage there shows how special the bringing of new ideas and new customs to New Zealand can be...mixing with the locals and producing new sights and sounds, I think that’s really special and that’s going to be the New Zealand of the future.”

Also, The National Jazz Festival in Tauranga, Hamilton Gardens Festival, Rotorua Streatfest and The ‘Live in the Libraries’ series for NZ Music Month. In 2003 Gahu played The Auckland Festival, Grey Lynn Festival, Jazz on Ponsonby and the K’Road Karnival.

The band leader is Bud Hooper who has studied Ghanaian music for over ten years. Bud plays drumkit as well as the Ghana ensemble drums which are his speciality. This is the basis of the polyrhythmic sound that is Gahu. The pulse is based around the irresistible call of traditional Ghana dance rhythms played by Bud and also special guest Yaw Boateng, a musician from Ghana who drums,sings and dances. These elements are combined with the sound of renowned kiwi guitarists Cadzow Cossar and Lance McNicoll while Jane McAllister on bass provides the fat and solid beats that define the group’s earthy groove. Ben McNicoll does some fine improvising on his saxophone.

Good quality photos for print available on request - electronic or hardcopy.
For more information www.gahu.co.nz
Bud Hooper Phone: 09 376 3365 or 021 424 801.
Email: [email protected]
Post: Box 230 MBE Ponsonby Auckland
 

Search for Bands/Artists:

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
    Ariana Grande
  • BEAUTIFUL THINGS
    Benson Boone
  • END OF BEGINNING
    Djo
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • TEXAS HOLD 'EM
    Beyonce
  • STICK SEASON
    Noah Kahan
  • PRAISE JAH IN THE MOONLIGHT
    YG Marley
  • CARNIVAL
    Kanye West And Ty Dolla $ign
  • SATURN
    SZA
  • LOVIN ON ME
    Jack Harlow
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report a ProblemReport A Problem