Lobi-Joro-Solo gyil

Kakraba Lobi, as a founding member of the National Dance Company of Ghana was often required to play solo during costume changes. After a time, both the public and international promoters realized that Kakraba could do performances all by himself, hence his international career as a soloist blossomed. He was invited by the German government to a year long residency in Cologne, during which time he carefully observed classical performers, musicians who, as he said “play for people who don’t dance, but sit.” This influence his writing style, which is unique among composers for gyil. The style “Joro” is an adaptation of the traditional rhythm Bem Pong. It is exciting, explosive, and fast (Joro means “to run”). Joro is arranged for solo gyil by Kakraba Lobi and orchestrated by Paul Leary. It is recoded on CYO’s CD of concerti (Cleveland).

• Number of players: 1
• Difficulty: Advanced
• Instrumentation: Gyil