SONIC EQUITY

Nathan Riki Thomson

SONIC EQUITY This exposition investigates questions of inclusion, equity, and decolonisation through the central voice of the Brazilian berimbau. Drawing on the approaches of artistic research, musical case studies are employed to investigate the core concepts, including the solo berimbau work of Adriano Adewale, as well as duo dialogues between Adriano Adewale on berimbau and Nathan Riki Thomson on double bass, seen through the conceptual lens of third space. Findings emerge in terms of uncovering and reimagining the unique, experimental sonic possibilities of the berimbau and the ways they can be utilized for artistic expression in both solo and duo playing. Through shining a light on the unique possibilities of the berimbau, questions arise in terms of why this instrument and its interconnected traditions have not been given equal space and value within higher music education, highlighting the need for institutions to continually reassess their policies through the lens of decolonisation. The artistic investigations further reveal issues related to the need for equity in music and music education, pointing towards a decolonised future where marginalized instruments such as the berimbau are given space and valued equally alongside all forms of musical expression. This connects back to the fundamental human need to be seen, acknowledged, and valued in our world, which is a commonality we can perhaps all relate to. Key words: berimbau, equity, decolonisation, interculturalism, higher music education, third space.

References

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Audio Recordings

Sonic Poems from an Unknown Land (2022). Global Music Centre. https://www.globalmusic.fi/en/shop/cds/adewale-thomson-sonic-poems-unknown-land

Videography 

Adewale, A. (2023). Hidden Sounds – Reconnected Identities live performance video, Black Box, Helsinki Music Centre. Video filmed and edited by Ville Tanttu

Adewale, A. & Thomson, N.R. (2021). Sonic Poems from an Unknown Land live recording, Karhusaari, Espoo, Finland. Video filmed and edited by Ville Tanttu.

Magalhães, M. L. Online lecture Tempo em Performance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShvhGTCYzw8&t=5237s

Vasconcelos, N. A performance video (accessed 15.1.2019): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3z6vR6j3HlA 

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Nathan Riki Thomson, Adriano Adewale - SONIC EQUITY - 2024