Africa's Music History
Camille Fiasco
SINGING AND DANCING
Singing is a big part of African music. African music is usually made up of people clapping, stomping, singing, and dancing. Until Western influence, the traditions of singing and dancing have been kept in many countries. Now, many countries' cultures have mashed together and created a whole new style of music.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS IN AFRICA
The kora, or "Jali" is a popular instrument in Africa. It looks kind of like a guitar with 21 strings. It is placed on a gourd that is covered in animal skin. The player will pluck the strings with the thumb and the index finger of both hands, but the rest of his fingers hold the posts that are drilled into the gourd. It is used in many countries, including Benin, Mali, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.
STYLE
The start of the modern music we hear today came from ancient African music. It evolved through blues, jazz, rock and roll, and gospel. We can hear the influence that the Africans made in these music styles.