Music is an integral part of African ethnic life, accompanying many kinds of events, including childbirth, marriage, hunting, and even political activities. Although the terms "traditional music" and "folk music" are often used interchangeably in the literature describing this music, the term "traditional music" is more accurate, because some of it belongs to court music or sacral music traditions, therefore the term "folk music" is not always appropriate. A great deal of African traditional music as it occurred in African life and culture throughout the years, was performed by full-time musicians. Great African empires and kingdoms rose and fell, many of their traditions and cultures still prevalent to this day throughout African villages.īecause of the extensive Arabian influence of the music on north Africa, which gives it a separate and distinct style, this discussion will be focused on the music of sub-Saharan Africa, which shares many characteristics from region to region.
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This pre-colonial period was full of social changes and dynamism. When discussing African music, the term "traditional music" is used to refer to the characteristics of African music prior to the colonization of the continent by European countries, which was most widespread during the late nineteenth century. Talking drums, signal drums, songs, and the sagas of the historian griots each communicate different types of important information.ĭrummers, part of a large celebration marking the arrival of running water to their village, Ojumo Oro, Kwara State, Nigeria, in April 2004. Another crucial role of music in Africa is as a mode of communication. By helping mark the important moments in life, music helps to underscore the divine and eternal value of human life.Īfrican music also helps to connect people together in a variety of ways, strengthening the fabric of the community, which in turn reinforces people's commitment to support each other and the community, toward mutual health and prosperity. The roles of music and dance are tightly woven together in sub-Saharan Africa, and music intersects with every aspect of life, expresses life through the medium of sound. The concept of music in Africa, especially in sub-Saharan Africa bears a difference from other regions and cultures. African music is as diverse as its cultures and peoples and has flowered in many indigenous forms as well as been shaped by foreign influences.Īlthough there are many different varieties of music in Africa, there are a number of common elements to the music, especially within regions. The African continent comprises approximately 20 percent of the world's land mass and has a population of roughly 934 million.
The music of Africa is as vast and varied as the continent's many regions, nations, and ethnic groups.
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