MUS 380: Music Tradition In West Africa

Ashly.E.Jose

MUS 380 A – Music Traditions of Africa

Professor Gavin Webbs

March 9, 2017

Music Tradition in West Africa Music plays a major part in various culture and for the people. Most people listen to one or another kind of music at one point of their life. One could be interested in traditional cultural music, pop music, jazz, classical music, religious or music that helps meditate, concrete or to help them to do work. Regardless of what kind of music people listen to it can be classified into entertainment or educational purpose based on how it helps the listeners. Music can be classified according to the country of origin, and everything else can be considered ‘world music’. Arabic music, African music, Hispanic music, Latin music

(Introduction page VI)

When discussing musical traits of West Africa, it is explained as- Music and dance are a whole that cannot be separated – actually, there is no separate word for the two in most African languages. Music is considered communal and participatory, an oral tradition, rhythm privileged over melody and harmony as well as wide variety of instruments, especially percussion (ppt). Africa being the second most populous and second largest continent their musical traditions are noticeable by an array that reveals ethnic, national, and regional diversities. Music is primarily based on the indigenous traditions. Christian-affiliated Western musical practices were presented to the continent by Europeans. So to speak the musical instruments, such as the piano, organ, and trumpet, that are now popular amongst African musicians, are some examples of instruments introduced by European. The impact of Islam on the musical traditions of the continent is also significant as that of

It plays a major role in supporting social values and maintaining the traditions. Musical performances are indispensable to religious rituals, initiation ceremonies, rites of passage, annual festivals, and the coronation of new kings, so on and so forth. The use of music and dance in the initiation ceremonies of the Mende people of Sierra Leone and the Vai people of Liberia, both in West Africa, demonstrates the importance of music in African religious and social institutions. The Sande society performer stages choreographed dances to re-enact a traditional hunting expedition. The costumes of the masquerade include wicker headpieces, raffia skirts, and pod-shaped rattles tied around the legs. These rattles produce interesting rhythmic sounds as the performer initiates dance.

The use of music in the Sande initiation ceremony which is a choreographed dance re-enactment for traditional hunting expedition is an example of how music in Africa utilities to implement social habits, demonstrate the strength of traditional associations, define gender roles, and emphasize group harmony. (Africa Doc.) Western instruments were introduced to the Africa through church and military. But it was identified that there was unreceptive approach to African music, especially to drumming – because it was linked with more of a Christian evangelist “Pegan” practices (Musical page