14.1 African music traditions and contemporary scenes
2 min read•july 25, 2024
African music is a vibrant tapestry of sound, blending polyrhythms, call-and-response, and unique instruments. It's not just about the beats; it's a cultural cornerstone, playing crucial roles in rituals, storytelling, and social bonding.
Colonial influences and global markets have shaped African music, leading to fusion styles like and . But its impact reaches far beyond the continent, influencing genres from jazz to hip-hop and leaving an indelible mark on world music.
Traditional African Music
Characteristics of African music genres
Top images from around the web for Characteristics of African music genres
African Classical Ensemble Music: Book 1 – African Minds View original
Is this image relevant?
.jpg&w=1080&q=75)
File:Kora (African lute instrument).jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Music of Africa - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
African Classical Ensemble Music: Book 1 – African Minds View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Kora (African lute instrument).jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for Characteristics of African music genres
African Classical Ensemble Music: Book 1 – African Minds View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Kora (African lute instrument).jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
Music of Africa - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
African Classical Ensemble Music: Book 1 – African Minds View original
Is this image relevant?
File:Kora (African lute instrument).jpg - Wikipedia View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- Polyrhythms create complex interlocking patterns with multiple rhythms played simultaneously (Ewe drumming)
- structure involves leader initiating musical phrases followed by group repetition or variation (Yoruba chants)
- Pentatonic scales form basis of many African musical traditions using five-note scales (Xhosa songs)
- Percussion centrality features drums as primary instruments with diverse types (talking drums, , dundun)
- String instruments play crucial role including (21-stringed harp-lute) and ngoni (West African lute)
- Wind instruments add tonal variety such as (double-reed instrument) and (Ghanaian flute)
- Vocal techniques encompass ululation and throat singing in some regions (Tuareg vocals)
Impact of colonialism on traditions
- Colonial influence introduced Western instruments (guitar, piano) and Christian hymns
- Fusion of traditional and Western styles led to development of highlife music in West Africa and soukous in Central Africa
- Recording industry impact standardized song lengths and shifted from communal to individual performances
- Global music market pressures adapted traditional styles for international audiences (world music category)
- Diaspora contributions brought African-American music influences back to Africa and fostered cross-continental collaborations
Music in African cultural contexts
- Ritual and ceremonial functions accompany rites of passage and harvest celebrations (Dogon mask dances)
- Oral tradition preservation relies on griots as musical historians and storytellers
- Political commentary and resistance manifested in anti-apartheid songs and independence movement anthems
- Social cohesion strengthened through communal music-making in villages with dance as integral expression
- incorporate music in traditional medicine and spiritual rituals (Bwiti ceremonies)
- Education uses songs to teach moral lessons and cultural values (Akan proverb songs)
- Economic role established music as urban profession and instrument making as specialized craft
African influence on global music
- Rhythmic contributions incorporated African polyrhythms into jazz, rock, and Latin American music (salsa, samba)
- Popular music genres developed including (Fela Kuti) and globally appealing
- Sampling in hip-hop and electronic music utilizes African musical phrases and instruments
- World music collaborations feature Western artists working with African musicians in fusion projects
- Influence on dance music infused African rhythms into house and techno, popularizing African dance styles globally
- Instrument adoption spread djembe in Western music education and African percussion across global genres
- Vocal techniques incorporated African-style harmonies in pop music and influenced a cappella arrangements
Key Terms to Review (17)
Afrobeat: Afrobeat is a music genre that combines traditional West African musical elements with jazz, funk, and highlife, popularized by Nigerian musician Fela Kuti in the 1960s and 1970s. It is characterized by its complex rhythms, powerful horn sections, and politically charged lyrics, reflecting social and political issues within African societies.
Afropop: Afropop refers to a contemporary genre of popular music that fuses traditional African musical elements with global influences, such as pop, jazz, and hip-hop. This genre not only showcases the rich diversity of African music traditions but also highlights the ongoing evolution and adaptability of these traditions in modern contexts, creating a vibrant and dynamic soundscape that resonates with audiences both in Africa and worldwide.
Algaita: Algaita is a traditional double-reed woodwind instrument from West Africa, often associated with the Hausa people. It is made from materials such as wood or metal and is known for its distinctive, piercing sound that plays a significant role in various cultural and social contexts, including ceremonies and celebrations. Its importance extends beyond mere musicality, serving as a symbol of cultural identity and community cohesion in African music traditions.
Atenteben: The atenteben is a traditional bamboo flute from the Akan people of Ghana, characterized by its melodious sound and unique construction. It plays a significant role in various cultural expressions, including folk music, rituals, and ceremonies, serving as a tool for storytelling and community connection.
Call and response: Call and response is a musical form in which one voice or instrument (the 'call') is answered by another voice or instrument (the 'response'). This interaction creates a dynamic dialogue within the music, often reflecting social, cultural, and linguistic aspects of the communities from which it originates. The practice is integral to various musical styles and serves as a means of communication and participation among performers and audiences.
Cultural hybridity: Cultural hybridity refers to the blending of different cultural elements to create new, hybrid forms that reflect the influences of multiple traditions. This phenomenon often occurs in contexts of globalization, migration, and colonization, where cultures interact and influence one another, leading to the emergence of unique cultural expressions. The concept highlights the dynamic nature of culture and challenges the notion of cultural purity.
Cultural Identity: Cultural identity refers to the sense of belonging and connection an individual feels towards their cultural group, shaped by shared customs, values, traditions, and history. This identity can influence personal expression, social interactions, and collective experiences, especially in how cultural practices are communicated and expressed through music. The concept of cultural identity is crucial in understanding dynamics such as appropriation, authenticity, communication, and exchange in the context of diverse global cultures.
Djembe: The djembe is a goblet-shaped drum originating from West Africa, traditionally carved from a single piece of wood and covered with animal skin. Its rich sound and intricate rhythms play a vital role in many African music traditions, and it is often associated with communal gatherings and celebrations.
Griot: A griot is a traditional West African storyteller, historian, and musician who preserves the oral history and cultural traditions of their community through music and narrative. Griots serve as important cultural custodians, sharing stories that convey values, history, and the lineage of families, making them vital to the social fabric of their societies.
Healing practices: Healing practices refer to various traditional and contemporary methods used to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, often rooted in cultural beliefs and rituals. In African music traditions, these practices frequently involve music as a central element, whether through healing songs, rhythms, or communal gatherings that foster emotional support and social cohesion.
Highlife: Highlife is a genre of music that originated in Ghana in the early 20th century, characterized by its fusion of traditional African rhythms and melodies with Western musical elements, particularly jazz and dance band music. It reflects the cultural exchange and social changes in West Africa, becoming a prominent style that resonates with contemporary African music traditions and scenes.
Kora: The kora is a traditional West African stringed instrument, resembling a lute, that typically has 21 strings and is made from a gourd resonator and a long neck. It plays a crucial role in the musical traditions of the Mandinka people and serves as an important tool for storytelling, social commentary, and cultural preservation within the region.
Music as resistance: Music as resistance refers to the use of music as a tool for expressing opposition to oppression, injustice, and conflict. It serves as a means for marginalized voices to communicate their struggles, unite communities, and promote social change, often emerging in contexts of conflict or post-conflict societies. This concept is particularly significant in understanding how music reflects cultural identity and solidarity in the face of adversity.
Music fusion: Music fusion is the blending of different musical genres, styles, or cultural influences to create a new and unique sound. This process often incorporates elements such as rhythms, melodies, and instruments from various traditions, resulting in innovative compositions that reflect the diversity of global music. Music fusion serves as a bridge between cultures, allowing for collaboration and experimentation among musicians.
Polyrhythm: Polyrhythm refers to the simultaneous use of two or more contrasting rhythms in music, creating a rich and complex texture. This technique is often found in various musical traditions, especially those that aim to induce trance or altered states during rituals, and it plays a significant role in many African music traditions, where it reflects cultural practices and contemporary music scenes.
Ritual Performance: Ritual performance refers to a structured and purposeful act that combines music, movement, and sometimes spoken word to convey cultural beliefs, values, or social meanings. These performances often take place within religious or communal settings and serve as a means of connecting participants with the spiritual world or their community. Ritual performances can vary widely across cultures and often evolve to reflect contemporary influences while maintaining traditional roots.
Soukous: Soukous is a popular music genre that originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 1960s, characterized by its energetic dance rhythms, intricate guitar melodies, and a blend of traditional African music with Western influences. It is often considered a modern evolution of rumba and has played a significant role in shaping contemporary African music scenes.