interlocking

In African music, "interlocking" refers to a compositional technique where different musical parts are combined to create a complex whole. This often involves performers contributing complementary, rather than identical, elements. Instead of a shared beat, musicians may relate their parts to individual reference pulses, leading to intricate rhythmic and melodic structures.1

This technique is prominent in various instrumental styles across East and Southeast Africa, such as drumming and xylophone music. Interlocking can create rapid resultant patterns, where individual players perceive their own part as "on beat" even as their notes fit precisely between those of other musicians, like the teeth of a cogwheel. This contrasts with Western ensembles where a common beat guides all players. Polyrhythm, the simultaneous combination of contrasting rhythms, is closely related and characteristic of many non-Western musical forms, as well as some Western compositions and jazz.123