Lehlé

Lehlé is a musical term used primarily in African and Afro-Caribbean music, referring to a specific onomatopoeic pattern of clapping or percussion. The lehlé consists of a series of sharp, distinct claps or strikes on a drum or other percussive instrument, often used in call-and-response music structures.

The lehlé is a characteristic of various traditional music styles, including the funk styles of Ghana and the coupé décalé of the Ivory Coast. It serves as a rhythmic and melodic counterpoint to the vocals, providing a dynamic interplay between different musical elements. This repetitive pattern is essential in creating a sense of tension and release in African and Afro-Caribbean music.

In addition to its functional role within music, the lehlé has cultural significance. It often serves as a call to gather people, announcing the beginning of a dance or music performance. The lehlé may also symbolize social unity, connection between people, and shared movement experience.

Lehlé patterns are highly adaptable, available in various rhythmic length and complexity. The most common drumming pattern of lehlé has six claps or strikes that follow a distinct structure that revolves around four sections with a specific rhythmic emphasis. Due to the interconnected relationships in the lehlé, it can be performed by individuals from the same community as a symbol of shared cultural identity.

In recent years, lehlé patterns have been incorporated into various global music styles, reflecting on African cultural influence in contemporary music. This rhythmic concept has also inspired research in ethnomusicology, exploring its historical and cultural background.