MuL 13: SUB SAHARAN AFRICA

Ghana, Central Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Senegal-Gambia, and Republic of South Africa

Polyrhythm

What is a fundamental organizational principle for instrumental music in sub-Saharan Africa, exemplified in Ghanaian music?

Ghana: Polyrhythmic Instrumental Ensemble of West Africa

A vocal call-and-response ensemble performed during celebrations that has instruments interlocking specific patterns that has high and low pitches rattles, bells, and voices.

Instruments of Polyrhythmic Instrumental Ensemble of West Africa

Maraca- gourd rattle

Donno- double headed hourglass

Tom-tom- hand drums

Afirikyiwa- iron-clapper bell

Ghana: Talking Drums

A speech surrogate to communicate with ancestral spirit that has rhythmic patterns that mimic the syllables.

Drums and Bell

Name two instruments commonly found in Ghanaian polyrhythmic instrumental ensembles.

Ghana: Palm Wine “Highlife” Song

What is the name of a popular Ghanaian musical style influenced by European and African elements, featuring a lead vocalist and responsorial singing?

Intricate vocal polyphony

What is a prominent characteristic of the vocal music of the Pygmy people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Molimo

Name one of the simple instruments mentioned as being used in Pygmy music in the DRC.

Call-and-response

What is a common organizational feature of vocal performances in Pygmy music?

Nomadic lifestyle

What might influence the prominence of vocal music and the portability of instruments in Pygmy music?

Zimbabwe: Mbira Dza Vadzimu

A hypnotically soothing music that has a “buzzing” sound throughout the performance. Tones are produced through Lamellophones (like kalimba).

Uganda: Akadinda music

Xylophone music that is played by 3 people. It has a triple interlocking technique that has a complex polyrhythm that can approach nearly 600bpm.

Senegal-Gambia: Jali Singing with kora accompaniment

Music that has no percussion. Only a vocalist and his plucked chordophone who opens the intro with his instrument and follows with a rapid-fire delivery of the vocalist.

Kora

A 21-string harp lute

Republic of South Africa: Mbube vocal choir

A church and community based call-and-response all male choir with a dominant male soloist and bass heavy vocals. It has strong rhythmic patters and swooping vocal techniques