African music and its instruments
African music is made up of many instruments, many of which have rhythmic or melodic functions. The instruments used for rhythmic music include large gongs, rattles, woodblocks, and woodsticks. The instruments used for melodic music include musical bows and harp-like instruments. Many of these instruments are made of wood. African music is also played with instruments such as the rattle and djembe drums.
Musical instruments in African music
There are many different kinds of instruments used in African music. Drums, wind instruments, reed pipes, and string instruments are the most common. The African drum is often considered the "heart" of the community, reflecting the feelings and emotions of people through its rhythm. Other instruments used in African music include flutes, saxophones, and cymbals. Woodblocks and rattles are also used to play rhythmic music. In addition, some musicians play harp-like instruments made of stringed materials.
Styles of African music
There are many different styles of African music, each with their own unique characteristics and influences. This article explores the major styles and their influences. For instance, the style known as Sucus comes from the Congo, where it has similarities to the Rumba style. It is a style that has been popularized by African pop queen Angelique Kidjo. However, she has been criticized for ignoring the authenticity of African music. She lives in New York and occasionally returns to her native village of Avida to perform.
Functions of African music
African music is a mix of different instruments and vocalizations. The yodel and hard melisma are common forms of vocalisation. African music features a variety of instruments, including drums, slit gongs, rattles, and double bells. It also includes various types of harps and xylophones. Many areas also feature string instruments. The housa ethnic group plays a two stringed 'harp', a calabash wrapped in skin.
Origins of African music
African music is a richly diverse art form, influenced by its environment and culture. African music was first made about five million years ago by early humans, and eventually evolved into an integral part of human life. Some scientists estimate that humans developed their full vocal range around 530,000 years ago. Charles Darwin believed that this ability to sing enabled human beings to attract mates and warn off rivals. In any case, it is safe to say that music has been a part of African life from the time man began to explore the continent.
Sources of African music
The origins of African music can be traced back to early Arab travelers like Ibn Battutah, who traveled to the continent in the 14th century. European explorers like Vasco da Gama, Jan Huygen van Linschoten, and Joao dos Santos also visited the continent. In the early twentieth century, Europeans made early attempts at notating African music, including the work of T.E. Bowdich (1819) for Ghana, Karl Mauch for Zimbabwe, and Roberto Ivens for inner Angola.
Influences of African music
The influence of African music is not only found within the continent, but in the global scene as well. The music of the continent is hugely creative and a platform for social, political and spiritual commentary. New forms are constantly being developed in response to new contexts. For example, in recent history, many African states have gone through difficult times and their music has shown itself to be an effective medium for expressing emotion in the face of such suffering. In fact, some African artists have taken on traditional instruments and beats to make their own music, allowing them to work with the older generation of artists.
Evolution of African music
The evolution of African music has a long history. It has been influenced by jazz, blues, and Dixieland. African music originated in Sub-Saharan Africa and is upbeat and polyrhythmic. The blues developed from the fusion of African music with European twelve-tone musical instruments. These musical elements were later blended into bluegrass. Today, many African-American musicians perform traditional music. The evolution of African music is a fascinating story.
