Music of AfricaMusic of Africa

Sub-saharanAfrica

North Africa(more Islamic/middle-eastern in outlook)

griotsgriotsGriots were wandering

africanMusicians -

they were also poets and storytellers.

They passed on music through oral

tradition.

Griots were wandering african

Musicians - they were also poets

and storytellers.They passed on music

through oral tradition.

Music & African cultureMusic & African cultureMusic is at the

heart of so many elements of

african culture -

Music is at the heart of so many

elements of african culture -

Daily life, rituals and entertainment, with links to dancing, storytelling, costumes & masks,Body paintingAnd POWER

MbubeMbube

The translation means ‘lion’

in isizulu (the native language of the zulu

tribe)

The translation means ‘lion’

in isizulu (the native language of the zulu

tribe)

Mbube is 4 part harmonyA cappella singing – Loud and BOLD!

IsicathamiyaIsicathamiyaA soft , hushed style

of ‘a cappella’ singing

A soft , hushed style of

‘a cappella’ singing

The translation is‘tread softly or carefully’

The hushed tone of the singing reflects This!

Instrumental musicInstrumental music

The most common instrument linked to sub-saharan african music is the drum.

There are many different types,Including…..

The most common instrument linked to sub-saharan african music is the drum.

There are many different types,Including…..

djembedjembe

dun dun (Talking Drum)dun dun (Talking Drum)

sakarasakara

Other percussion…Other percussion…Bells such as the gonkoguiBells such as the gonkogui

Shakers such asaxatse

Shakers such asaxatse

Melody instrumentsMelody instruments

The kora- Made from a

gourd (dried fruit), with fishing line for strings

The kora- Made from a

gourd (dried fruit), with fishing line for strings

Melody instrumentsMelody instruments

The xalamThe xalam

The thumb piano!(mbira)

The thumb piano!(mbira)

Families of instrumentsFamilies of instrumentsIn the west (europe/usa), we classify instruments by referring to

their materials…

In the west (europe/usa), we classify instruments by referring to

their materials…

Brass

percussion

Strings

Woodwind

Families of instrumentsFamilies of instrumentsIn africa, they are classified by how

the sound in produced…In africa, they are classified by how

the sound in produced…

IDIOPHONE (sound produced by the instrument itself)

Membranophone(sound produced by a vibrating membrane)

Chordophone (sound produced by vibrating Strings)

Aerophone (sound produced

by air)