Beyond Kafala

This percussion trio was written in response to composer Maximilian Wolfgang Schwarz’s invitation to perform at the 2020 World Expo in Dubai. Workers used to build pavilions and structures for the expo were called “guest workers,” but fall under the system known as Kafala. In this system, immigrants are brought to a new country where they are able to work off the expenses for their travel; however, many times their passports are taken from them and they become slave labor. This work was written to bring attention to the system that enslaves so many.

The piece is meant to be a “clash of cultures” where strictly constructed serial music is juxtaposed with music from Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It is constructed with a syncopated rhythmic motif split amongst the players on the metallic instruments. Slowly, marimba notes, some of which are dead strokes, come in and build into a melodic line. As it builds, the fragments begin to sound familiar. People from those areas and scholars of the music will likely recognize the tunes that are interspersed among the metallic background. The middle section is made of purely marimba, with the players trading different rhythms along the board. The tunes are heard in a more tonal setting, and the piece ends with a return of the metallic cacophony.

This work is very complex rhythmically and requires performers who are adept at performing irregular rhythms and performing with each other. The players should be aware of what they are representing so that they can do so with the respect needed.

“Beyond Kafala” would go well on an advanced undergrad percussion ensemble concert or a graduate level recital. It brings to light an issue many may not be familiar with. Schwarz achieves a beautiful blend of traditional music with modern compositional techniques.

— Josh Armstrong, Assistant Professor of Percussion at Delta State University