original udu making in Nigeria - Eugene Skeef's udu project

This short film by Eugene Skeef shows 4 Igbo women from Nigeria demonstrating the technique of making the udu, a clay pot drum. The udu was invented by the Igbo and it is traditionally a women's ceremonial instrument. The word udu means clay pot in the Igbo language and this gentle instrument induces a sense of peace when played.

Eugene initiated the udu project through his charity Umoya Creations a few years ago. The project is ongoing and takes as its inspiration the desire to support initiatives in different parts of the world where indigenous peoples begin to take control of their intellectual and cultural property rights.

For more information contact Eugene Skeef at eugeneskeef@googlemail.com

Film soundtrack by Eugene's Umoya Ensemble, featuring his daughter Mpho Skeef on vocals.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• udu
• igbo
• nigeria
• skeef
• pottery
• rhythm
• music
• african
• world
• mpho
• peace
• healing
• global
• ceramic

[punkster35]

whats the name of the music?

[eugeneskeef]

@punkster35 The music is called "Closer" and it is a composition by myself and members of my group Umoya Ensemble.

[korasol]

Udu, my village youths use to dance a tradi. dance called UDU ASAA b/c the drum used to beat the music is only 7 udu, lol you need to see this dance, no folklore dance mathes it.

actually our parish choir sings with udu 3, a bigger, smaller and smallest, they represented Imo at Abuja early last year, they are one of the most things I miss at home, watch the track on my page (Ezi Nne Bu Ihe)

[eugeneskeef]

Thanks very much for your comment. Please send me more information about the traditional dance you mention. I plan to make another trip to Nigerian possibly this year and I would love to visit your village to witness and experience the udu traditions there. Please send me as much info as you can let me have. I will visit your link and watch the track.

All the best

Eugene

[sal0212]

I saw this a year ago and recently saw it again, I can only say - Amazing!

Has this ever been performed, I would love to see it?

[eugeneskeef]

Thanks for your comment. Yes this has been performed in London. In a few months I will be running a series of udu making and playing workshops in the Liverpool International Slavery Museum in the UK to bestow a positive energy. This will be open to anyone and everyone. A DVD will be produced to share the spirit...

Peace and love

Eugene

[jifblumoon]

2:55 -daring maneuver!

[hobbexp]

its so warm ther so the clay dry fast, thats what i think,

[wearoscarwile]

Have you seen Frank Giorgini's work with the Udu? He just put out a DVD called The Art of the Udu Drum Volume 1: Making the Drum. It's pretty in-depth stuff, especially if any of you potters are interested in making these. I just play them. :)

[hobbexp]

@Y3MZ1

if its water in the clay when they fire the pots they will crack,

[Y3MZ1]

@hobbexp No, at this point the pots are being transported to be fired so it doesn't matter if they are drying fast, it seems like a daring move but they are used to carrying objects this way :)

[GregoryCulverSmith]

i miss my udu and love this music. can you tell me who it is? or any artists like it?

[jmg1957]

well done.

[jmg1957]

nice..

[venetiancat]

What a great video. I am a potter, and I love making drums, and your video has inspired me to make more. I am impressed by how thin and even the walls of the pots are. Do you find that thinner walls create better tome? I also love the idea of putting a handle on the pot-so practical! Thank you so much for the work you do and for sharing this video : )

[Lacerdha]

Muito bom mostrar a cultura artistica de outros povos