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Music
Rhythm is one of the most important features of African Music. Much of African
music is played on percussion instruments and rhythm plays an important part in
celebrations.
Much of African music is in 12/8 time (4 main beats in a bar). The focus can very
often be on the second and fourth beats of a bar which are considered the off beats in
the bar giving much of the music a slightly syncopated feel. The off beats are often
stressed.
Polyrhythm is a huge part of African music. Several rhythmic patterns can be
played at the same time. This gives the music a very exciting feel. Sometimes
rhythms can sometimes be played simultaneously in different time signatures.
(polymetric)
Highlife:
Talking Drums: These are master drummers in Africa that loosen and tighten the
membranes of the drums they are playing. With changes in the membrane, master
drummers are thought to be able to mirror the sounds of speech and communicate to
the other people within a tribe.
Instruments, music, dance and drama varies from tribe to tribe. Instruments can
depend on the raw materials that are available in the locality. Instruments are tuned
to different pitches also depending on the area.
Songs are all important in Africa. Songs are used for work, celebration and other
events. Field Hollers are used for example while doing repetitive work.
Call and Response: The performance technique of Call-and-Response if very
common in African singing. This is when a solo performer sings a line of verse that
is then passed to a group of performers who answer or respond. The response can
come in one of two ways:
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African
Music
Rattles, Wood Blocks, Shakers are also used.
Kora: This is a string instrument made of 21 strings. The sound is produced
by plucking the strings using the thumb and forefingers. The resonating
chamber is also made of a large gourd covered in skin. A hole is cut in the skin
to allow the sound to come through.
Rhythmic ostinatos occur quite frequently in African music because of the heavy
reliance on rhythm in the region.