Sub-Saharan African music encompasses a diverse range of musical traditions, distinct instruments, and cultural practices that vary greatly across different communities and social groups.
Key Instruments
Mbira: A 22-key lamellophone, played by plucking mounted tongues. Popular among the Shona people of Zimbabwe.
Hosho: A traditional percussion instrument, often considered as shakers.
Cultural Practices
Bira Ceremony: A communal ceremony where families engage with their deceased ancestors. It involves two overlapping musical parts:
Kushavra: The lead part.
Kutsinhira: The accompanying part.
Musical Concepts
Interlocking Parts: In performances, musicians play complementary parts to create harmony.
Polyrhythmic: Indicates more than one rhythm is occurring simultaneously within the musical performance.
Ostinato: A repeated musical pattern that may serve as a foundation for other melodies.
Bambuti Music
Characteristics
Originates from the Democratic Republic of Congo and is representative of the Bambuti community.
Emphasizes communal and egalitarian values as community members share work, ethnic background, and responsibilities.
Important Ceremonies
Molimo: A ceremony aimed to ‘wake the forest,’ linking music with nature.
Elima: A coming-of-age ceremony for women, marking significant life transitions.
Life-cycle Events: Singing occurs during pivotal life transitions and communal gatherings.
Mande Music (West Africa)
Social and Musical Structure
The Mande society is highly hierarchical, with distinct roles based on occupational specialization.
Two main social groups identified:
Sula: Ordinary people, including farmers, merchants, and urban dwellers.
Wyamalo: Skilled specialists, such as musicians.
Role of Musicians
Jeli: Important musicians acting as oral historians, diplomats, and genealogists. They serve as praise singers performing at weddings and ceremonies.
Mande Instruments
Balo: A traditional instrument used in their music.
Kontingo: A 5-string lute.
Kora: A 21-string bridge harp.
Components of Kora Music
Donkilo: The basic vocal melody that serves as the thematic material.
Sataro: Improvised, declamatory singing, adding a personalized touch to performances.
Kumbengo: An ostinato pattern played frequently on the kora, supporting other musical elements.
Birmintingo: Instrumental improvisation that enhances the complexity of the musical piece.
Ewe Music (Ghana and Ivory Coast)
Community and Musical Organization
The Ewe people organize music into a highly structured format with distinct hierarchical elements.
Age sets (groups based on age) are utilized for performance organization, enhancing community interaction during music and dance.
Dance and Performance
Voluntary Dance Clubs: These are composed of members who contribute to the social fabric and perform on various occasions:
Welcoming government officials.
Promoting political candidates and parties.
Formal presentations of new dance clubs.
Funerals and supporting club members in times of crisis.
Instruments Used
Gon Kogui: A double bell that establishes melodic ostinato patterns.
Axelbst: A type of gourd shaker contributing to rhythmic elements.
Drums: Various sizes produce different sounds, structured in rows for organized participation:
Small drums for rhythmic bases.
Middle drums for call-and-response patterns.
Large drums for improvisational elements within performances.
Kingdom of Buganda (Uganda)
Leadership and Music
Kabaka: The king, exemplifying strong leadership within Buganda.
Key Instruments in Buganda
Akadinda: A large xylophone traditionally used in Buganda musical practices.
Entenga: A notable ensemble of 12 drums, essential for communal performances.
Instrument Classification
Idiophones: Instruments that produce sound primarily through vibrational energy.
Chordophones: String instruments, including the Kora.
Aerophones: Wind instruments such as flutes and trumpets.
Membranophones: Instruments like drums that use skin to produce sound.
Visual classification of music indicates a blend of cultural heritage and social storytelling through performance.