Why were music and storytelling so important to African cultures?
They help people make sense of the world and are used to teach children and adults about important aspects of their culture. There is a rich tradition throughout Africa of oral storytelling. … Storytelling provides entertainment, develops the imagination, and teaches important lessons about every- day life.
Why is music so important to some African tribes?
Music is a form of communication and it plays a functional role in African society. Songs accompany marriage, birth, rites of passage, hunting and even political activities. Music is often used in different African cultures to ward off evil spirits and to pay respects to good spirits, the dead and ancestors.
How is music and storytelling used in Africa?
For centuries, the history, beliefs and folklore of West African communities have been kept alive through the tradition of music and oral storytelling. … Griots told their stories through music, using accompanying instruments such as the balafon, ngoni or the kora.
What role did music play in African culture?
In Africa, music is a social activity in which almost everyone participates. Music highlights African values, with various traditions accompanied by a melody. Many events of importance are celebrated with music, whether it is a marriage, a birth, or a ceremonial rite of passage.
What is the importance of storytelling in African culture?
Storytelling in Africa has been manifested in many ways and was used to serve many purposes. It was used to interpret the universe, resolve natural and physical phenomena, teach morals, maintain cultural values, pass on methods of survival, and to praise God.
What are the 5 most important features of African music?
Aerophones (wind)
- Flutes (bamboo, horn)
- Ocarinas.
- Panpipes.
- Horns from animal tusks.
- Trumpets wood or metal.
- Pipes being single or double reeds.
- Whistle.
What is the relationship between African music and dance?
Dance is a very important aspect of African music as can be seen in the close relationship between body movement and music. In the dance arena it is natural for performers and listeners to move rhythmically.
What are the characteristics of African music?
Among the qualities of African music which may be considered characteristic, then, we may include the following: an emphasis on rhythmic and metric complexity expressed throughout the musical system; the use of extended syncopation, or off- beat phrasing of melodic accents, as a melodic device; the antiphonal call and …
Are griots still present in Africa?
There are still many modern day griots in Africa, especially in Western African countries like Mali, Senegal, and Guinea. … Most griots today are traveling griots. They move from town to town performing at special occasions like weddings.
What are the main features of African drumming?
Features of these elements include:
- polyrhythms are created by layering different rhythms together.
- dynamics are changed depending on the force with which the drum is hit.
- dynamics are not written down on a score – the leader signals changes in dynamics during the performance.