As if mastering any African rhythm isn’t tricky enough, one of the most exciting elements of African music has to do with the way several different rhythms intersect when played at the same time. “Polyrhythm” means the simultaneous performing of two different rhythms. For example, look at this animated video and you’ll see two rhythms at play at the same time — 5/4 and 4/4. Or try 5/4 and 3/4. Think that’s complicated? Then this will drive you bonkers. Or, on actual human drums, you can take a look at multiple rhythms crossing each other at once.

Polyrhythms are most prominent in West Africa, and are especially essential to the music of the Ewe people of Togo, Ghana and Benin. An Ewe drumming ensemble usually consists of a Sogo or other master drum, a Gankogji bell, a rattle-like Axatse and any number of secondary drums. Ewe drum sessions are often several hour-long, communal affairs in which drums converse and even tell long, narrative tales using multiple intricate cross-rhythms.