african_music_pp.ppt

AFRICAN MUSICAFRICAN MUSIC

KEYWORDSKEYWORDS Polyrhythm (cross-rhythm)Polyrhythm (cross-rhythm) PolyphonyPolyphony Call and responseCall and response Master drummerMaster drummer Ostinato (repetition)Ostinato (repetition) ImprovisationImprovisation VariationVariation A capellaA capella Brimintingo/ KumbengoBrimintingo/ Kumbengo Kushaura/ KutsinhiraKushaura/ Kutsinhira

Tribal AfricaTribal Africa This includes the sub-Saharan countries of Africa such as This includes the sub-Saharan countries of Africa such as

Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Central Senegal, Gambia, Guinea, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Central

African Republic and Congo.African Republic and Congo.

African musicAfrican music Music is central to every aspect of traditional life, from rituals Music is central to every aspect of traditional life, from rituals

to entertainment.to entertainment. Virtually all drum music is to accompany Virtually all drum music is to accompany dancing or singing.dancing or singing. YouTubeYouTube - - DjembeDjembe Drumming and Dancing Drumming and Dancing 11

Music is passed on through oral tradition rather than notation, Music is passed on through oral tradition rather than notation, and in West Africa particularly there are hereditary musicians and in West Africa particularly there are hereditary musicians called griot or “jali” who can trace their family heritage back called griot or “jali” who can trace their family heritage back to the 12to the 12thth century. century. YouTubeYouTube - Little - Little DjembefolaDjembefola Isaiah Drums and Dances Isaiah Drums and Dances 22

The griot pass their musical skills on to their sons from a very The griot pass their musical skills on to their sons from a very young age and are highly respected (and paid) within their young age and are highly respected (and paid) within their communities. communities. YouTubeYouTube - Isaiah 4 Years Old Plays " - Isaiah 4 Years Old Plays "NgriNgri""

Master drummers are soloists and conductors. They set the Master drummers are soloists and conductors. They set the rhythm, pulse and decide upon solos and dynamics. They give rhythm, pulse and decide upon solos and dynamics. They give visual andvisual and drum signals throughout. 3drum signals throughout. 3

YouTubeYouTube - - FadoubaFadouba OulareOulare and his sons from Les and his sons from Les PetitsPetits SorciersSorciers - - KawaKawa

Musical styles: AfricanMusical styles: African In African music In African music repetitionrepetition is often used to organise the music. In the is often used to organise the music. In the

mbira music of the Shona people of Zimbabwe, the interaction of players mbira music of the Shona people of Zimbabwe, the interaction of players hands establishes a repeating pattern (hands establishes a repeating pattern (ostinatoostinato) which players use as a ) which players use as a basis for basis for improvisation.improvisation.

PolyphonyPolyphony and and PolyrhythmPolyrhythm are also important. are also important. PolyphonyPolyphony has many musical parts or rhythms interweaving with each has many musical parts or rhythms interweaving with each

other. other. PolyrhythmPolyrhythm is the simultaneous sounding of two or more individual is the simultaneous sounding of two or more individual

rhythms (3 against 4). In West Africa, drum ensembles have 3-5 players, rhythms (3 against 4). In West Africa, drum ensembles have 3-5 players, each with a distinctive method of striking their drum and playing each with a distinctive method of striking their drum and playing interlocking patterns. Sometimes other percussion instruments join in, interlocking patterns. Sometimes other percussion instruments join in, creating a thick musical texture.creating a thick musical texture.

Call-and-responseCall-and-response is very popular. The chorus repeats a fixed refrain in is very popular. The chorus repeats a fixed refrain in alternation with a lead singer, who then has more freedom to improvise. alternation with a lead singer, who then has more freedom to improvise. This makes the music conversational. (cassette)This makes the music conversational. (cassette)

xx

xx xx

xx xx

POLYRHYTHM 3:2 Try it!

Drums- DjembeDrums- Djembe African drums come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The African drums come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The

bodies are usually made from wood, gourds, and clay; drum bodies are usually made from wood, gourds, and clay; drum heads are made from animal skins. heads are made from animal skins.

The The djembedjembe drum has been called "the healing drum". It dates drum has been called "the healing drum". It dates back to the 12th century Mali Empire of West Africa. It has a back to the 12th century Mali Empire of West Africa. It has a very wide tonal range setting it apart from other drums.very wide tonal range setting it apart from other drums.

Drums- dununDrums- dunun

These set of drums are collectively known as These set of drums are collectively known as dunun. Individually they are called:dunun. Individually they are called:

Dununba- bass drumDununba- bass drum Sangban- mid drumSangban- mid drum Kenkeni- high drumKenkeni- high drum Drum ensembles may consist Drum ensembles may consist of dunun, djembes and of dunun, djembes and percussion. percussion.

PolyrhythmsPolyrhythms

The three dunun players each perform a The three dunun players each perform a different cyclic rhythm pattern on their drum different cyclic rhythm pattern on their drum and bells. These cyclic patterns combine to and bells. These cyclic patterns combine to create a polyrhythm which is unique to a create a polyrhythm which is unique to a particular piece of music. The polyrhythm particular piece of music. The polyrhythm created by the set of dunun drums and bells is created by the set of dunun drums and bells is essential in supporting the whole piece- the essential in supporting the whole piece- the solo drummers and supporting djembes rely on solo drummers and supporting djembes rely on the dunun drums to hold the piece together.the dunun drums to hold the piece together.

drumdrumYouTubeYouTube - - AkaranAkaran IkoIko IkoIko rhythm sample - Soli ( rhythm sample - Soli (rapiderapide) fast) fast

Talking DrumsTalking Drums Talking drums belong to the family of hourglass shaped pressure drums. Talking drums belong to the family of hourglass shaped pressure drums.

The gan gan is the smallest, the dun dun is the largest. They have a drum The gan gan is the smallest, the dun dun is the largest. They have a drum head at both ends.head at both ends.

PitchPitch in African music is largely determined by the tuning of the drums. in African music is largely determined by the tuning of the drums. Drum rhythms can imitate well-known phrases. It's said that when Drum rhythms can imitate well-known phrases. It's said that when Napoleon was defeated at the battle of Waterloo, the native people in West Napoleon was defeated at the battle of Waterloo, the native people in West Africa knew about it before their English or French governors, because the Africa knew about it before their English or French governors, because the news was drummed down the coast from North Africa. Talking drums are news was drummed down the coast from North Africa. Talking drums are used to send messages, using a combination of pitch and rhythm to imitate used to send messages, using a combination of pitch and rhythm to imitate speech.speech. http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.soundsofafrica.tv/Africa%2520Out%2520Loud/Assane-forweb.jpg&imgrefurl=http://http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.soundsofafrica.tv/Africa%2520Out%2520Loud/Assane-forweb.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.soundsofafrica.tv/previews/AfricaOutLoud.html&hwww.soundsofafrica.tv/previews/AfricaOutLoud.html&h=339&w=450&sz=130&hl==339&w=450&sz=130&hl=en&starten&start=5&tbnid=0de0G_QdZFD2gM:&tbnh=96&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dassane%2Bthiam%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26rls%3DRNWE,R=5&tbnid=0de0G_QdZFD2gM:&tbnh=96&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dassane%2Bthiam%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26rls%3DRNWE,RNWE:2005-40,RNWE:en%26sa%3DGNWE:2005-40,RNWE:en%26sa%3DG

Percussion-shakersPercussion-shakers The The yencayenca rattle is a gourd containing seeds that make the rattle is a gourd containing seeds that make the

sound. It has a sponge plug which can be removed to change sound. It has a sponge plug which can be removed to change the seeds for different sizes, to give a different sound. (hosho- the seeds for different sizes, to give a different sound. (hosho- maracas)maracas)

The The axatseaxatse or or shekereshekere also has seeds loosely covering a also has seeds loosely covering a hollowed gourd. It is played by striking it on their hand, then hollowed gourd. It is played by striking it on their hand, then on their leg, in various patterns. The top of the ball can be hit on their leg, in various patterns. The top of the ball can be hit to create a deeper tone. to create a deeper tone.

Percussion- bellsPercussion- bells The The gonkoguigonkogui (gankogui) is a traditional double bell which is held in the (gankogui) is a traditional double bell which is held in the

hand whilst being struck with a stick. It has one high and one low tone. hand whilst being struck with a stick. It has one high and one low tone. (agogo bells)(agogo bells)

The The toketoke or or banana bellbanana bell is played by striking it with a metal rod whilst it is played by striking it with a metal rod whilst it lies across the palm of the hand. It can also be hung on the side of drums. lies across the palm of the hand. It can also be hung on the side of drums. A pair of these bells, tuned a fourth apart, usually play togetherA pair of these bells, tuned a fourth apart, usually play together

Tuned percussionTuned percussion

The balaphon is a predecessor to the The balaphon is a predecessor to the xylophone and marimba. It uses hollow gourds xylophone and marimba. It uses hollow gourds as resonators.as resonators.

The MBIRA is considered to create the essential link between the world of the living and the world of the spirits. It's believed to have the power of projecting its sound into the heavens and attracting the attention of the ancestors.It is played by the thumbs and forefingers in cyclic patterns. It is sometimes called the “thumb piano”, but this is seen as a colonial term in Africa. YouTube – Mbira

Mbira patternsMbira patterns

Mbira players improvise over core ostinato patterns Mbira players improvise over core ostinato patterns which creates complex polyphonic textures.which creates complex polyphonic textures.

The lead part is called the KUSHAURA.The lead part is called the KUSHAURA. The “intertwining part” is called the KUTSINHIRA.The “intertwining part” is called the KUTSINHIRA. Although cyclic, the performers do not consider any Although cyclic, the performers do not consider any

one point of the cycle the beginning or the end.one point of the cycle the beginning or the end. Mbira are accompanied traditionally by hosho (an Mbira are accompanied traditionally by hosho (an

African forerunner of the maracas) African forerunner of the maracas) YouTube - Hunters Mbira Crew 2

Stringed instrumentsStringed instruments

The The korakora is a 21- string is a 21- string harp-lute, which harp-lute, which includes both plucked includes both plucked and sympathetic strings. and sympathetic strings. It is used by professional It is used by professional musicians (jali) among musicians (jali) among the Mandika people of the Mandika people of Gambia. Gambia. YouTubeYouTube - - JaliJali Music Party in Music Party in BrikamaBrikama

, The Gambia, The Gambia YouTubeYouTube - - JaliJali SherrifoSherrifo KontehKonteh at Whitby at Whitby MusicportMusicport 2005 2005

Kora patternsKora patterns

The kora sounds like a harp and can be played The kora sounds like a harp and can be played solo or to accompany songssolo or to accompany songs

The melody, counter- melodies and bass line The melody, counter- melodies and bass line are all played by one musician (Griot or jali).are all played by one musician (Griot or jali).

The melody (and improvisations around it are The melody (and improvisations around it are called BRIMINTINGO.called BRIMINTINGO.

The ostinato patterns below the melody are The ostinato patterns below the melody are called KUMBENGO.called KUMBENGO.

Ngoni/ XalamNgoni/ Xalam

The The xalam/ ngonixalam/ ngoni is is the most common the most common stringed instrument stringed instrument in Senegal in West in Senegal in West Africa. A plucked Africa. A plucked lute which is a close lute which is a close relative of the relative of the African American African American banjobanjo. YouTube - Xhalam playing by Abdulai . YouTube - Xhalam playing by Abdulai

Saine,Gambia 2002Saine,Gambia 2002

Southern AfricaSouthern Africa

Music in the southern countries of Africa, which Music in the southern countries of Africa, which include South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zaire, have include South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zaire, have been influenced by Western church music, introduced been influenced by Western church music, introduced by missionaries in the 19th century. Choral singing is by missionaries in the 19th century. Choral singing is very important in this part of Africa. The traditional very important in this part of Africa. The traditional vocal music of the Zulus of South Africa is called vocal music of the Zulus of South Africa is called ISICATHAMIYA. It has been popularized by a group ISICATHAMIYA. It has been popularized by a group called Ladysmith Black Mambazo. (Heinz beans ad!!)called Ladysmith Black Mambazo. (Heinz beans ad!!)

In this clip, notice the A CAPELLA men's voices In this clip, notice the A CAPELLA men's voices using CALL AND RESPONSE.using CALL AND RESPONSE.

YouTubeYouTube - - MambazoMambazo

African instrumentsAfrican instruments

Listen to these clips and identify the Listen to these clips and identify the instrument(s)-instrument(s)-

1.1. 4.4.

2.2. 5.5.

3.3. 6.6.

DJEMBE

KORA

BALAFON

DUNUN

TALKING DRUM

MBIRA (THUMB PIANO)

Africa- its influence (Fusions)Africa- its influence (Fusions)

Elements of African music can be found in Elements of African music can be found in almost every other culture in the world.almost every other culture in the world.

Africa has had a direct influence on the music of Africa has had a direct influence on the music of South America, the Caribbean, USA, Western South America, the Caribbean, USA, Western Europe and many other nations.Europe and many other nations.

Africa is a huge and diverse continent with a Africa is a huge and diverse continent with a wide variety of people, customs, music and wide variety of people, customs, music and instruments.instruments.

FusionFusion

List some of the genres or styles of music that List some of the genres or styles of music that you think may have been influenced by you think may have been influenced by African music.African music.

BLUESBLUES DISCODISCO BLUEGRASSBLUEGRASS FUNKFUNK DANCEDANCE SOULSOUL JAZZJAZZ GOSPELGOSPEL MINIMALISMMINIMALISM REGGAEREGGAE RAPRAP SALSA/ CUBAN SALSA/ CUBAN

FUSIONSFUSIONS

African musicians have always embraced new African musicians have always embraced new technology, applying the playing techniques of technology, applying the playing techniques of their own instruments to that of the western their own instruments to that of the western instruments brought in by the colonial powers.instruments brought in by the colonial powers.

Often bands would play waltzes, marches and Often bands would play waltzes, marches and popular songs from the country that ruled.popular songs from the country that ruled.

With independence came the freedom to With independence came the freedom to explore traditional music, often moved on to explore traditional music, often moved on to the new instruments.the new instruments.

Guitar stylesGuitar styles

Guitar styles copy the fast moving rippling Guitar styles copy the fast moving rippling rhythms of the kora and other string rhythms of the kora and other string instruments-instruments-

Mose Fan Fan- SikuluMose Fan Fan- Sikulu Listen for the interlocking guitar lines, call and Listen for the interlocking guitar lines, call and

response vocals and “shave haircut shampoo” response vocals and “shave haircut shampoo” clave rhythm that is the basis of all cuban clave rhythm that is the basis of all cuban music-music-

Loketo- Trouble. Loketo- Trouble.

Electric AfricaElectric Africa

This all electric mix has many names in Africa This all electric mix has many names in Africa depending where it originates from-depending where it originates from-

West Africa- HighlifeWest Africa- Highlife AfrobeatAfrobeat

MbalaxMbalax MakossaMakossa

Central and East Africa- Soukous (Soca)Central and East Africa- Soukous (Soca)

South Africa- MbquanqaSouth Africa- Mbquanqa

ChimurengaChimurenga

Listen to this MBIRA tune played traditionally Listen to this MBIRA tune played traditionally and then arranged for electric instruments.and then arranged for electric instruments.

Traditional Mbira- TairevaTraditional Mbira- Taireva Thomas Mapfumo- PfumvuThomas Mapfumo- Pfumvu Thomas Mapfumo- ChigwayaThomas Mapfumo- Chigwaya

Youssou N’DourYoussou N’Dour Youssou N’dour is from Senegal, West Africa and is Youssou N’dour is from Senegal, West Africa and is

from a family of traditional musicians.from a family of traditional musicians. He has created his own style of electric music called He has created his own style of electric music called

mbalax, which comes from local Wolof drumming mbalax, which comes from local Wolof drumming patterns. His band uses the cyclic patterns on electric patterns. His band uses the cyclic patterns on electric guitars, bass, keyboards, brass, drum kit and guitars, bass, keyboards, brass, drum kit and traditional drums including tama (talking drum). traditional drums including tama (talking drum). N’dobine. N’dobine.

He makes different recordings of the same material He makes different recordings of the same material for his African and Western markets putting a steady for his African and Western markets putting a steady bass drum beat in his European recordings. bass drum beat in his European recordings.

Del teewDel teewhttp://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.soundsofafrica.tv/Africa%2520Out%2520Loud/Assane-forweb.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.soundsofafrica.tv/http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.soundsofafrica.tv/Africa%2520Out%2520Loud/Assane-forweb.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.soundsofafrica.tv/

previews/AfricaOutLoud.html&h=339&w=450&sz=130&hl=en&start=5&tbnid=0de0G_QdZFD2gM:&tbnh=96&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dassanepreviews/AfricaOutLoud.html&h=339&w=450&sz=130&hl=en&start=5&tbnid=0de0G_QdZFD2gM:&tbnh=96&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dassane%2Bthiam%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26rls%3DRNWE,RNWE:2005-40,RNWE:en%26sa%3DG%2Bthiam%26gbv%3D2%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26rls%3DRNWE,RNWE:2005-40,RNWE:en%26sa%3DG

Styles (CD2)Styles (CD2)

Name these styles/ genre that have their roots Name these styles/ genre that have their roots in African music. in African music.

1.1. 2. 2.

3.3. 4. 4.

5.5. 6. 6.

ReggaeReggae SalsaSalsa

BluesBlues Soul/ FunkSoul/ Funk

BluegrassBluegrass MinimalismMinimalism

ExtensionExtension

Listen to these clips of African music and try Listen to these clips of African music and try to spot what style of music it has influenced.to spot what style of music it has influenced.

Ali Farka ToureAli Farka Toure Manu Dibango Manu Dibango King Sunny AdeKing Sunny Ade Extra tracks- Muezzin call / Field hollersExtra tracks- Muezzin call / Field hollers Mannish Boy / Bridging the GapMannish Boy / Bridging the Gap

HomeworkHomework

Find 4 different examples of Find 4 different examples of fusion music and identify the fusion music and identify the influences.influences.

If you can ,bring in a copy of If you can ,bring in a copy of one to play to the class.one to play to the class.

Traditional African instrumentsTraditional African instruments

Other instrumentsOther instruments

African wind instruments include African wind instruments include flutesflutes, , whistleswhistles, , oboesoboes and and trumpetstrumpets. The flutes were made from bamboo, reed , wood, . The flutes were made from bamboo, reed , wood, clay, bones and other materials found in the sub-Saharan clay, bones and other materials found in the sub-Saharan region.region.

Trumpets, often associated with royalty, were made from Trumpets, often associated with royalty, were made from animal horns or wood. Clarinets, from the Savannah region of animal horns or wood. Clarinets, from the Savannah region of West Africa are made from guinea-corn or sorghum stems, West Africa are made from guinea-corn or sorghum stems, with a reed cut from the surface of the stem at one end. with a reed cut from the surface of the stem at one end. Double-reed instruments, such as the Double-reed instruments, such as the hasua algaitahasua algaita, are , are derived from North Africa. derived from North Africa.