Music of West Africa
The music of West Africa has a significant history, and its varied sounds reflect the wide range of influences from the area's regions and historical periods.
Traditional West African music varies due to the regional separation of West Africa, yet it can be distinguished by two distinct categories: Islamic music and indigenous secular music. The widespread influence of Islam on culture in West Africa dates back to at least the 9th century, facilitated by the introduction of camels to trade routes between the North of Africa and West Africa.[1] Islam-influenced West African music commonly includes the use of stringed instruments like the goje, while more secular traditional West African music incorporates greater use of drums such as the djembe.
Contemporary styles of music in West Africa have been influenced by American music, African jazz and gospel music.[2] The forced migration of Africans to the Americas as a result of the transatlantic slave trade gave rise to kaiso[3] music, which has influenced the sounds of Calypso,[4] a style with major popularity throughout West Africa.
Griots, also known as 'wandering musicians', have traditionally been a major part in the distribution of music throughout West Africa, as their purpose is to spread oral tradition through musical storytelling. The role of griots remains significant in preserving smaller ethnolinguistic groups' cultures.
Rhythmic structure[edit]
Metre [15][edit]
African music can be divided into two broad categories;
1. Danceable music which can be further broken down into;
i. A 12-point set which can be similar to 6/8 music (ex. ••• ••• I ••• •••)
ii. A 16-point set which can be similar to 2/4 music (ex. •••• •••• I •••• ••••)
12 point tends to be used for formal occasions while 16 point tends to be more casual
2.Music that is not considered danceable which can be further broken down into;
i. A cross-set with a 12-point set with tuplets
ii. A cross-set with a 16-point set consisting of triplets
This style is typically reserved for ritual or worship
Dance[edit]
A major element of experiencing West African music, both traditional and contemporary (especially gospel music), is physical expression through dance. Dances are commonly named after the musical tunes which they follow, such as Yankadi, which originated in Southwest Guinea.[33] This is a slow dance which has an emphasis on seduction; two rows of men and women face one another and dance with an emphasis on eye contact and 'touching each other's hands and heart region'.[34] This develops into Makru, a faster-paced element of this courting dance which is danced separate from one's partner.
In many regions in West Africa, traditional dance is considered to be a part of language, a way to translate and communicate experiences. Dance is also a way by which different linguistic and cultural groups can represent and distinguish themselves.[35] For example, the Mbalax dance is a significant cultural hallmark of Senegal, and the Bata dance is traditional to the Yoruba people of Southwest Nigeria.[36]
Most traditional dances throughout West Africa are designated to a specific gender, requiring careful practice and coordination in order for a dancer to fully express the meaning behind a given dance.[35] For example, the Mbalax dance holds its origins as a part of ndut rite of passage ceremonies and is thus traditionally valued as a sacred process.