African Music
By Meaghan Cyr
Instruments in Africa
These are just some of African instruments and what they are usually used for in African communities. Drums are the most basic instrument for most of Africa. Xylophones in some areas are used to announce someone's death. Bells usually proceed a chief or king. It also is used by a judge announcing a court decision. Rattle musicians are women. They wear their rattles on their bodies as a common background music. The harp is the main string instrument. Usually occompanied by a singer/storyteller/poet.
Drums at a young age
African children start at a young age to play instruments like the drums.
African Harp
The traditional African harp dates back 5,000 years ago!!!
African Rattles
People in Africa (usually women) wear rattles as a background music.
African influence in the Americas
Africa has many musical styles and traditions. The many traditions and music styles are passed down orally through oral tradition. The African slaves came over and spread their culture and music to the to the Americas. This combined with the European culture created the basis for blues, gospel, jazz, and pop.
What does African music sound like
African music has many differnt generas much like American music. Where you are in Africa determines what kind of music you will most likely hear. Like in the videos below you can see the difference between Southern African music and Western African music.