Over the past few months, ethnomusicologist Lucy Durán, a Professor Emerita of Music at SOAS University of London, with special reference to Africa and Cuba, has guided the Pressure Cooker Studios team on a transformative journey into the heart of musics from the African continent. Her passion and expertise have not only deepened our love for music but also strengthened our pursuit of pioneering the African audio arts. During our monthly sessions with Lucy, she has helped us understand this rich musical heritage from a theoretical, contextual, and historical perspective, revealing how music transcends sound to become a powerful cultural force. Reflecting from her own studies and long-durée research in the field, she has focused on the sounds and stories behind lesser-known (and often endangered) cultural traditions, which are the foundations of contemporary music from Africa.
This collaboration has been invaluable in reshaping how we approach soundscape composition and creativity. By immersing ourselves in the rhythmic intricacies and the structures of African traditions and the “buzzing aesthetics of its instruments”, we’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the stories and histories embedded in every note. This is why we collaborate, to learn, grow, and ensure our work is rooted in authenticity and respect for the cultures that inspire us.
Here’s a snapshot of the lessons, inspirations, and standout moments from our journey:
Music Born from Limitations
One of the most profound takeaways is how African musics engage creatively with limited resources. As Tyron Woods reflects, “These cultures created intricate, authentic music with minimal tools.” This lesson has inspired us to embrace constraints, finding beauty in simplicity and repetition.
The Power of African Musics Theory
Lucy’s workshops opened our eyes to the unique elements that define many African musics. From what she terms the “aesthetic of the buzz” to interlocking techniques and rhythmic timelines, we’ve learned to incorporate these elements into our work to create a signature sound. Kadin Madgwick shares, “I’ve been inspired to blend African musical theory with other genres, creating something truly unique.”
Serving Music as Stewards
Lucy’s teachings have reminded us that music in Africa is a powerful cultural legacy. Tyron puts it beautifully: “This music has been around longer than I have, and its influence will outlive me. My role is to be a good steward of the knowledge I’ve gained.” This mindset has shaped our approach, ensuring we honor tradition while pushing boundaries.
Standout Moments
- Elben: “The session on Congolese music was a game-changer. Its influence runs deep in African musics, and it’s inspired me to explore new sounds.”
- Kadin: “Realizing how African musics shaped modern pop was mind-blowing. It showed me the incredible potential of our continent’s sounds.”
- Tyron: “Learning about the unnamed voices behind music history reminded me of the importance of serving music.”
How Lucy’s Teachings Have Shaped Us
- Tyron: “I bring the human element into everything I create, whether it’s African-influenced or not.”
- Kadin: “I experiment with African musical theory, blending it with other genres to create something fresh.”
- Elben: “We’ve deepened our understanding of rhythm, scale, and interlocking techniques—key to our creative process.”
The Road Ahead
With Lucy’s guidance, we’re diving deeper into African instruments, rhythms, and techniques. Our goal is to pioneer new sounds, blending tradition with innovation to create music with a signature sound that resonates on a global scale.
A Legacy in the Making
Lucy Durán has not only deepened our understanding of musics from the African continent but once again ignited our passion to push creative boundaries. From our studio in Cape Town to our work in music curation, soundscape composition, and pioneering a signature sound, her teachings have reshaped how we approach creativity. We’re committed to nurturing talent, fostering meaningful collaborations, and, above all, honoring the rich legacy of African sound.
LUCY DURÁN SAYS:
“I studied classical music and ethnomusicology at Kings College London, but I was always drawn to music from Africa. There weren’t many available recordings back in those days, so I knew I had to go and make my own, and experience the music first-hand. My field work on the African continent dates back to 1970, when as an undergraduate student I travelled through North Africa, on a shoestring budget, to record music on location. Then in 1974, while working for Grove’s Dictionary of Music and Musicians 6th edition, I heard by chance a field recording of the Kora, the West African 21-string harp. I was smitten. That was it – I gave up my job, saved up money and off I went to Gambia to study the kora, and eventually, to Mali. I ended up producing many albums by some of the greatest musicians from that country. I discovered that interacting with musicians in the studio provided real insight into the cultural values embedded in musical sound. Over the years I was able to visit many other countries in Africa, from Mozambique to Madagascar, from Ghana to Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe, and further afield, learning about local musical cultures, their histories and memories.
In 1992 I joined SOAS University of London to teach African and Cuban music.Over the years I have taught hundreds of students. I love teaching – it’s such a brilliant way to learn.
Which brings me to reflect on my experience of working with the Pressure Cooker team of young African composers, both black and white, based in Cape Town. This has been a truly wonderful experience, possibly one of the best in my 30 years of teaching. Although professional composers – whose principal interest is the music itself – the Pressure Cooker team members have really engaged with the stories behind the music. They ask thoughtful and interesting questions, reflecting a profound curiosity for deep-level learning, and of course, they have excellent listening skills. These sessions at Pressure Cooker have been a sheer joy. I know they will come up with some superb new and creative music, and I can’t wait to hear it.”
Join us on this journey as we continue to explore, innovate, and create. Because at Pressure Cooker Studios, music isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.
