Ghoema

Ghoema is a musical play by David Kramer (1951-) and Taliep Petersen (1950-2006).

The title

The title serves as a reference ghoema tradition in Cape musical culture, and refers specifically to a single-headed drum made from a wooden barrel or vat, small enough to be carried and played while walking and much used in the traditional music of the Cape Malay people. The name comes in various forms, including ghoema, ghooma, goema or ghomma, and is speculated that it may possibly have originated from "ngoma", which means drum in Swahili, a word that slaves from Zanzibar and Madagascar (who found themselves at the Cape) would have used.

The music played using the instrument came to be known as goema-goema music, the songs "ghoemaliedjies" or "ghommaliedjies" ("ghoema songs" or ghomma songs). The form was later integrated with jazz and rock music.

For more on ghoema and ghoema music and songs, see the entry in the Dictionary of South African English[1]

Known in Cape Town region as a "ghoema" (or "ghomma") and the music as ghoemea musicIt is possible the word originated from "ngoma", which means drum in Swahili, a word that slaves from Zanzibar and Madagascar (who found themselves at the Cape) would have used.

Using the traditional ghoema drum music as metaphor and driving theme, the piece explores and celebrates the early South African history and the musical heritage of the Cape Town region. Created and first performed in 2005.

The first production was nominated for seven Fleur du Cap awards, winning two (for Best Set Design and Best Lighting design) and also won a Naledi Award.

The play was called Spice Drum Beat: Ghoema for its London run.

Translations and adaptations

Performance history in South Africa

2005-6: Performed for the first time at the Baxter Theatre in from 11 November 2005 to 7 January 2006. Written and directed by David Kramer. Musical Director: Taliep Petersen. Costume Design: Illka Louw. Choreography by Loukmaan Adams. Cast included Loukmaan Adams, Munthir Dullisear, Zenobia Kloppers, Gary Naidoo, Carmen Maarman. Musicians included Danny Butler, Gammie Lakay, Howard Links, Solly Martin, Charlie Rhode.

2006: The same production was also presented at The Tricycle in London, the University of Johannesburg Arts Centre and the H.B. Thom Theatre in Stellenbosch.

2007: Performed by Stage Productions and the Market Theatre in the Market Theatre's Main theatre, 13 June - 22 July.