Playtime Evo 004 — Are Africans Music Originators?

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Playtime Evo 004

By NILO

Africa has a rich and diverse musical heritage, and it is widely recognized as the birthplace of various musical traditions that have influenced and shaped music worldwide. Africans have been creating music for thousands of years, and their contributions have had a significant impact on various genres, including jazz, blues, rock and roll, reggae, hip-hop, and many others.

Traditional African music is known for its rhythmic complexity, intricate percussion, unique vocal styles, and the use of various indigenous instruments such as drums, xylophones, stringed instruments, and wind instruments. These musical traditions have been passed down through generations and continue to thrive in different African cultures.

Furthermore, African music has played a crucial role in the development of other musical genres around the world. For example, the rhythms and melodies of African music greatly influenced the development of jazz and blues in the United States. The African diaspora, resulting from the transatlantic slave trade, brought African musical elements to the Americas, leading to the creation of new genres and styles.

It is important to recognize and celebrate the origins of music in Africa while also acknowledging the extensive cultural exchanges and global influences that have shaped music throughout history. Music is a universal language that evolves through interaction and collaboration, and African music has undeniably played a significant role in shaping the global musical landscape.

The distinctiveness of African music

The distinctiveness of African music stems from a combination of historical, cultural, and geographical factors. Here are some reasons why African music sounds different from music in other parts of the world:

1. Cultural Diversity: Africa is a vast continent with a remarkable diversity of cultures, languages, and musical traditions. Each region and ethnic group within Africa has its unique musical styles, instruments, and rhythms. This rich cultural tapestry results in a wide array of musical expressions, making African music highly diverse and distinctive.
2. Oral Tradition: African music has a strong oral tradition, with knowledge and musical practices being passed down through generations by word of mouth. This tradition has contributed to the preservation of authentic musical styles and the development of unique musical languages within different communities. The absence of a strong written tradition has allowed for more flexibility and improvisation in African music.
3. Rhythm and Percussion: African music places a strong emphasis on rhythm and percussion. Complex rhythmic patterns, often created using drums and other percussion instruments, form the foundation of many African musical traditions. The intricate interplay of rhythmic layers and polyrhythms gives African music its energetic and vibrant quality.
4. Call-and-Response: Call-and-response is a common musical structure in African music. It involves a back-and-forth interaction between a lead singer or group of singers and a chorus or the audience. This participatory element creates a dynamic and communal musical experience, allowing for spontaneity and collective expression.
5. Influence of Indigenous Instruments: African music utilizes a wide range of indigenous instruments, such as drums, xylophones, stringed instruments (like the kora and ngoni), and wind instruments (such as the mbira and the balafon). These instruments have unique timbres and playing techniques, contributing to the distinctive sound of African music.
6. Cross-cultural Influences: African music has experienced significant cross-cultural influences throughout history. The African diaspora resulting from the transatlantic slave trade led to the fusion of African musical elements with other musical traditions, giving rise to genres like jazz, blues, reggae, and Afro-Latin music. These intercultural exchanges have further enriched and diversified the African musical landscape.
7. It’s important to note that while Africa’s musical traditions have influenced and shaped music globally, African music itself is not a monolithic entity but a rich tapestry of diverse styles and expressions that continue to evolve and adapt in various contexts.

Indigenous Instruments

Africa is home to a wide variety of musical instruments, many of which have gained recognition and popularity beyond the continent. Here are some of the popular musical instruments from Africa:

Djembe: The djembe is a goblet-shaped drum with a skinhead, typically made from a hollowed-out single piece of wood. It originated in West Africa, specifically in countries like Mali, Guinea, and Senegal. The djembe is known for its rich, deep bass tones and bright, high-pitched slaps. It is widely used in traditional and contemporary African music.

Kora: The kora is a stringed instrument commonly associated with West Africa, particularly Senegal, Gambia, and Mali. It features a large gourd resonator covered with cowhide and a long neck with 21 strings. The kora produces a mesmerizing, harp-like sound and is often played by griots (traditional storytellers and musicians) to accompany songs and narratives.

Balafon: The balafon is a wooden xylophone found in West Africa, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Guinea. It consists of wooden bars of varying lengths, which are struck with mallets to produce melodic tones. The balafon is known for its bright, resonant sound and is often used in traditional ceremonies and celebrations.

Talking Drum: The talking drum is a drum with an hourglass shape and two heads, traditionally made from animal skin. It is found in various parts of West Africa, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon. The drum is played by squeezing the strings attached to its body to change the tension, creating different pitches. The talking drum is known for its ability to mimic human speech patterns and is used to communicate messages across distances.

Mbira: The mbira, also known as the thumb piano, is a traditional instrument found in Zimbabwe and other parts of Southern Africa. It consists of metal keys attached to a wooden soundboard and is played by plucking the keys with the thumbs and fingers. The mbira produces delicate, bell-like tones and is often used in traditional Shona music and spiritual ceremonies.

Ngoni: The ngoni is a stringed instrument similar to a lute or a guitar, originating from West Africa, particularly Mali and Burkina Faso. It has a resonating gourd or wooden body with a varying number of strings and is played with the fingers or a plectrum. The ngoni is known for its rhythmic and melodic capabilities and is used in both traditional and modern African music.

These are just a few examples of the diverse range of musical instruments found in Africa. Each instrument has its own unique sound and cultural significance, contributing to the richness and diversity of African music.