If you have learned some rhythms, know the context of djembe music of the Mande and are working on your sound, stamina, clarity, timing, etc. this one is for you! Akaran Iko Iko, is based on the ground-breaking idea employed in ensemble sections in Taylor's first DVD, Remembering How to Drum. In both DVD's you have the ability to hear 8 different audio choices while you watch the whole ensemble:

1. full ensemble
2. accompaniment 1 only
3. accompaniment 2 only
4. solo only
5. accompaniments 1 & 2 only
6. accompaniments 1 & 2 & solo only
7. dununs only
8. all except solo (so you can have an ensemble to make your own solo to!)

Rhythms on Akaran Iko Iko were chosen by Mahiri, Menes and Taylor, based on what they experienced as the most prevalent rhythms being played in dance classes and taught in beginning and intermediate djembe classes accross the United States; each rhythm is presented at two different speeds, they are:

 Djansa, Djole, Kuku, Mendiani, Moribayassa, Soli(Rapide), Sunnu, Tiriba, Yankadi/Macru, Kassa

Here’s a hint (this applies to ‘Remembering How To Drum’ as well) – you can use the audio button on your DVD remote to change the audio track while watching the rhythm – you don’t *have* to go back to the Audio Setup menu, like the DVD suggests) – this is a much more efficient way to hear all the different audio tracks!