The History of African Music

African music is one of the most fascinating musical forms in the world. It is a combination of several different styles that have evolved over time, but it is always based on the rhythms of the human body. The history of African music dates back more than 5000 years, and it has been influenced by many other cultures.

In the past, there were many different kinds of African music, but today, most people know only a few types of music. These include the following:

Traditional African Music - This type of music is usually based on percussion instruments such as drums, gourds, and rattles. It is usually sung in praise to God or in celebration of some event.

Mbira - This is a stringed instrument made from a cow horn with a long metal bar attached to each side. It is played by plucking the strings with the fingers.

Harmonica - This instrument was invented in Africa, and it is still used today. It consists of a small box with two sets of metal tubes that vibrate when air is blown through them.

Jazz - This style of music was first introduced in America in the 1920s. It combines elements of American music with those of African music.

Zouk - This is a dance form that originated in Africa. It is a mix of Caribbean music and African music.

Fusion - This type of music is a mixture of different styles. It is often performed by musicians who are trained in both classical music and jazz.

Nigerian Music - This style is also known as Nigerian hip hop. It is an exciting new style of music that mixes rap, reggae, and dancehall.

Bongo Drum - This is a percussion instrument that originated in West Africa. It is a large wooden drum covered with animal skin. It is played by striking it with a stick.

Mbira and Harmonica are both played using a fingerboard. Jazz, Zouk, and Fusion use a keyboard, while Nigerian music uses a guitar.

There are many different kinds of African music. The above list only includes a few of them. There are also many other types of African music that have been created by African musicians. Some of these include:

Ragga - This style of music originated in South Africa. It is a combination of African music and reggae.

Afrobeat - This style of music is a combination of African music, funk, and disco. It was popular in the 1970s and 1980s.

Kuduro - This is a fusion of reggae and hip hop. It is very popular in Brazil and Portugal.

Kizomba - This is a popular dance form that originated in Angola. It combines African and Brazilian music.

Choro - This style of music is similar to kizomba, but it is played on a piano instead of a guitar.

Samba - This style of music originated during the 19th century in Brazil. It combines samba and jazz.

Ghanian music - This type of music is similar to reggae, but it is played by African musicians.

Jingju - This style of music is based on the traditional music of China. It is performed by a soloist who plays a flute and a drum.

Folk music - This type of music originates in Europe. It is usually played by a group of musicians who sing and play instruments.

Calypso - This type of music originated in Trinidad and Tobago. It is a combination of calypso and reggae.

Kwela - This is a style of African music that originated in Mozambique. It is similar to mbaqanga, but it is faster.

Mbaqanga - This style of music originated on the coast of Mozambique. It is a fusion of mbaqanga and jazz.

https://howtoplaythedjembedrums.com/the-history-of-african-music-2/

African Drumming - Djembe

There are many types of African drums. Each has its own unique sound and style. The most popular are the djembe, mbira and kora. There are also a few others like the bata and the dundun. Djembes are often played in pairs. This makes them great for duets or trios. They can be played as one person or two.

The djembe is a hand held drum. It is made from wood, metal or clay. The drum is played with a stick. The drum can be held in your hand or placed on the floor. The drum head is usually made from animal skin. Sometimes it is made from a thin piece of leather. The drum head is stretched over a wooden frame. The frame is usually carved from wood. The frame is attached to the drum body. It is important to have the frame firmly attached. This will help prevent the drum head from slipping. The drum body can be made from wood, metal or other materials. The size of the drum depends on what type of music it is being played. A small djembe is good for children and beginner drummers.

Djembe music is usually played at weddings, funerals, festivals, dances and parties. It is sometimes played at church services. The djembe is usually played in pairs. The drummer will beat the drum while his partner plays the melody. Some people use djembe music to accompany themselves when they sing. Others use it to accompany their dance steps. There are different types of rhythms that are played with the djembe. Some of these are:

o The basic rhythm is called the jing ping. It is a steady beat.

o The double jing ping rhythm is a faster beat.

o The single jing ping rhythm is a slower beat.

o The basic rhythm can be used to create other rhythms.

o The double rhythm can be used to create a faster beat.

The jing ping rhythm is played with the djembe and the mbira. The mbira is an instrument that is made from wood, metal, or clay. It is shaped like a triangle. The mbira is played by tapping on the strings. The strings are made from animal gut. The mbira is usually played with the djembe or the dundun. The jing ping rhythm is usually played in a slow tempo. The double rhythm is usually played in a fast tempo. The single rhythm is usually played in a medium tempo.

The dundun is a traditional African instrument. It is a large drum. It is played with a drum stick. The dundun is usually played by one person. The dundun is played with the djembes. The dundun is often played at weddings, funerals and dances. The dundun is used to create different rhythms. These include:

o The single rhythm is played in a slow tempo.

o The double drum rhythm is played in a fast tempo.

o The triple rhythm is played in a medium tempo. It is similar to the double rhythm.

o The quadruple rhythm is played in a fast pace. It is similar to the triple rhythm.

Djembes are also used to create other rhythms. These include: o The rumba rhythm is a fast paced rhythm. o The tango rhythm is a slow paced rhythm. o The waltz rhythm is a medium paced rhythm.

https://howtoplaythedjembedrums.com/african-drumming-djembe/