Study Notes on African Traditional Music

Overview of African Traditional Music

  • Focus of the course on traditional music from the African continent.

  • Africa's immense size and population, and cultural diversity.

  • Explore music from various regions: North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Egypt) and East Africa (Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya).

Geography and Demographics of Africa

  • Africa has a large surface area sufficient to house:

    • Continental United States

    • China

    • India

    • Most of Europe

  • Population: approximately 1,000,000,000 people, nearly double North America's population (Canada, US, Central America).

  • Number of countries: 54, each home to diverse ethnic groups, customs, and musical traditions.

The Role of Music in African Culture

  • Singing, dancing, and making music serve as vehicles for celebrating life and storytelling.

  • Importance of passing history from older to younger generations.

  • Characteristics of traditional African music:

    • Strong percussion with vibrant beats.

    • Predominance of polyrhythms: multiple rhythms played simultaneously.

    • Definition of polyrhythm: two or more rhythms overlapping.

  • Melodic structure:

    • Groups of notes sung or played as melodies.

    • Polyphonic melodies seen: multiple melodies occurring at the same time.

  • Instrument naming variances across cultures:

    • Example: mbira in Zimbabwe is known as agitic ball among the Yoruba in Nigeria.

Music of North Africa

Morocco

  • Cultural diversity with beautiful beaches, vibrant street cafes, and markets.

  • Key Genawa (or Gnawa) music tradition, rooted in history:

    • Originated from West Africans enslaved by Berbers in Morocco.

    • Use of music to convey stories and traditions, particularly in tough times.

    • Purpose of Genawa: to calm spirits and aid those in distress.

  • Instruments in Genawa:

    • Sintir: bass lute

    • Karkabas: metal castanets

    • Ganga: large drums

    • Vocals for singing.

Algeria

  • Largest country in Africa and tenth largest in the world; 80% covered by Sahara Desert.

  • Population largely settled in oasis due to environmental challenges.

  • Ancient music genre known as ma'louf, believed to stem from Jewish and Muslim refugees expelled from Spain.

    • Defined as a refugee: someone fleeing danger in their home country.

    • Ma'louf represents the experiences across time of its people, played at weddings and religious events.

  • Instruments used in ma'louf:

    • Madole

    • Oud

    • Violins, drums, and flutes.

Egypt

  • Home to pyramids and historical landmarks, with coastal coral reefs.

  • Tsar music, which likely migrated from Sudan over a century ago.

    • Healing music incorporating dance.

    • Performance creates joyous experiences for both the audience and performers.

  • Primary instruments of tsar include:

    • Tambura

    • Mangur

    • Kawala

    • Shakers and various drums.

The Importance of Dance in African Music

  • Dance is integral to the majority of African music traditions.

  • Gumboot dance originated from South African mine workers:

    • Developed as a non-verbal communication method while working.

    • Evolved into a tradition called stepping within historically black colleges.

    • Competitions in stepping among African American fraternities and sororities.

Music of East Africa

Ethiopia

  • Rich in natural beauty, known for vibrant vegan cuisine and numerous festivals.

  • Ethiopian music characterized by energetic and diverse traditions.

  • Highlighted tradition: Asmari, an artist who sings and plays instruments to entertain.

    • Parallel drawn to West African Griyo.

    • Lyrical themes include family, friendship, romance, and history.

  • Common instruments in Asmari performances:

    • Masingo (stringed)

    • Kraar

    • Waschint

    • Cabaro (large hand drum).

Uganda

  • Known as the Pearl of Africa, featuring stunning lakes, mountains, and unique wildlife.

  • Music as a cultural tool to tell stories and celebrate life.

  • Variety of instruments connected to specific festivities such as marriage, harvests, and hunting.

  • Focus on xylophones, especially the madinda and kadinda:

    • Madinda: smaller, 12 keys

    • Kadinda: larger, 17-22 keys.

  • Resonator: typically a hollow object that amplifies sound in instruments.

Kenya

  • Rich mineral soil conducive to agriculture, noted for its safaris and wildlife.

  • Nyatiti instrument’s significance among the Luo people:

    • Functions as both a rhythmic and melodic instrument.

    • Played with the thumb and middle fingers while the performer wears an oduango (iron ring on the toe) to create a beat.

    • Instrument structure: bowl-shaped resonator covered with cow skin, 5-8 nylon or fishing line strings.

Conclusion

  • The journey through various African music traditions reveals a vibrant tapestry of culture and storytelling.

  • Encouragement to explore and enjoy the wealth of African music available, emphasizing its universal appeal and importance in cultural identity.