Contemporary Melanesian Song No. 9
Unidentified bamboo band from Gizo, Western Province, Solomon IslandsĀ [Source: YouTube]
This (unfortunately) brief clip demonstrates how bamboo [PVC!] bands require considerable coordination and synchronization. The switch to the “reggae” offbeat/chops at the 0:09 point lift the excitement immediately. The gender division in performance is interesting: boys on bamboos, girls in the choir. The “drum” is also innovate – a bass pipe being played into a cavity formed by discarded truck tyres (jug band-like).