African Music Presentation

They vary from drums, to percussion. Also singing is used often. Singing is the main driving force behind African music because it’s expressive and often about religion. There are lots of different instruments used in African music.

African drums come in different shapes and sizes and are often made out of things, that are easy to find in Africa. E.G Animals skins, wood, stones, dried fruits. The bodies are normally made out of wood, clay and gourds. The drum heads are made out of animal skin.

Djembe Is called the healing drum, it dates back to 12 th century West African. It has a wide tonal range making it different from other African drums. Talking drum The talking drum has an hourglass shape. They have a head at both edges, and you squeeze it’s body to create different sounds. Some people are so advanced at playing this drum, they can mimic someone speaking when playing. Hence the name. They often have a hocked beater to play the drum with. Talking drum video

Percussion Gonokgui Gonkogui is a double bell which is held whilst being struck with a stick. One bell has a high and one low tone. Axatse/Shekere The Axatse or Shekere has seeds or beeds loosely covering a hollowed ball via a net. It is played by striking it on hands, or their legs, in various patterns.

Singing Musical styles: African In African music repetition is often used to organize the music. Repeating pattern Is used also improvisation is used. Polyphony and Polyrhythm are also important. Polyphony has many musical parts or rhythms interweaving with each other. Call-and-response is very popular. Pitch in African music is largely determined by the tuning of the drums.