African Music

There is no one type of African music as the types of music from this continent are as varied as the countries and the people. The music is integral to the life of the people and is closely liked to the language. There are many different segments to the music – social, ritual, recreational and ceremonial. It is rooted in traditions and associated with gods and religion. Dancing is an important part of music as well because it attempts to link the invisible to the visible.

There is no written tradition to African music. This is the reason there is very little traditional music written using music notation. The pitches and the subtle differences that are contained within one piece of music are extremely difficult to translate into notes on a staff. The melodic patterns closely follow the intonations of the language. To a person new to African music, it will not sound very pleasing to the ear. This is because the aim of the music is to express all the aspects of life through sound.

Music is an important part of the lives of the African people from the time they are born. Children take an active role in music from a very early age, crafting simple instruments as early as three or four years of age. The games the children play have music connected to them and it is incorporated into all aspects of adult life, work and play.

There is no word in the African native language to describe music. This is because it is regarded as being part of their nature. The drum is a significant instrument because it sets the rhythm for the songs and music. Even pounding feet on the earth can set a rhythm. However, in early times, the drum was a sacred instrument and could only be played by a man - women were forbidden to even touch one.