International » Caribbean Traditions » Gwo Ka

The various indigenous rhythms of Guadeloupe are played on a two-drum family of hand drums called gwo ka. Gwo ka music is rhythm-driven by the two drums, and is often accompanied by a mounted stick or bamboo log hit with sticks called a ti bwa. The drummers lead the way for dancers, and usually there is singing accompaniment. Gwo ka has been an underlying element of zouk from day one, and, in fact, Kassav's first album was titled Love and Ka Dance. Anzala and Ti Celeste (or Ti Seles) are two gwo ka artists still recording, the latter sticking to the roots while the former has electrified his sounds.