Sounds of Africa

The rhythm, the world dances to.

Music in Africa is a profound reflection of our identity, history, and culture. It serves as a vessel for storytelling, preserving traditions, and conveying generations' wisdom. It transcends mere entertainment; it is a means of expressing joy, sorrow, resilience, and hope. The rhythms and melodies rooted in our diverse cultures resonate with universal themes and emotions, fostering connections that bridge both time and space.

From the vibrant beats of West African drumming to the soulful sounds of South African jazz, each region contributes its unique flavor to the rich tapestry of African music. This musical heritage has influenced and shaped genres across the globe, giving rise to styles such as jazz, blues, reggae, and hip-hop—each echoing our narratives and struggles.

Throughout history, music has empowered our people, offering solace and strength during times of oppression and adversity. It has been a rallying cry in the face of injustice, a source of comfort in the darkest of times, and a celebration of our shared humanity. Rituals, ceremonies, and communal gatherings are all enhanced by music, reinforcing bonds within communities and fostering a sense of belonging.

In contemporary society, African music continues to thrive and evolve, with artists blending traditional sounds with modern influences. The global stage has become a platform for African musicians to showcase their talents, illustrating that our music is not only a reflection of our past but also an integral part of the global cultural landscape.

As we honor and celebrate our musical heritage, we also recognize its role in uniting us. It uplifts, inspires, and reminds us of our roots. In every beat, every lyric, and every performance, African music tells our story—one of resilience, creativity, and an unbreakable spirit. This legacy is a testament to who we are as Africans, inviting everyone to listen, learn, and partake in the rhythm of our shared experience.

The Djembe 

Picture: Djembe Drums 

My mother used to tell me tales of my grandmother, an African drummer when I was a child. One of the most popular instruments in Africa is the Djembe. My grandma attends virgin reveal ceremonies every Saturday, where a girl's coming of age and maturity are honored. It's all music and dance all day. She would be the drummer during a marriage ceremony on other occasions. At the age of five, she taught herself how to play, and after she became an expert, many believed that her forefathers had selected her. 

Picture: Afrodrumming

Djembe drums are a really entertaining instrument that may be built in a variety of styles, from the simple to the elaborate, featuring intricate drawings and bead printing. As desired by the designer. The wood used to make Djembe drums is cut and fashioned to the designer's specifications. A hole is then drilled in the center of the wood to produce sound, and once the wood cures, animal skin is wrapped around the entire drum. The process takes two to four days, after which the decorations are added and the drums are ready.
It is thought that West Africa is where this instrument was initially manufactured.

The Bolon

Picture: Pinterest

The Malian empire rose to prominence in the 1240s and was based on trade throughout Africa and the Mediterranean, making it one of the most powerful empires in history. The founder Sundiata Keita and Mansa Musa, the richest man in the world, were two of the empire's outstanding leaders.
The Bolon is an ancient instrument that has been used for numerous events and celebrations not just in the Mali empire but also throughout western Africa and eventually the whole of Africa. Music played a key role in daily life in the Mali empire. Perhaps the entire continent of West Africa is where the oldest instrument was invented. Numerous festivities took place and the Bolon was the center stage, including the greeting of warriors following a successful war. 

Picture: Pinterest

Everything about the tool is natural; it's pure art. The gourd, which is prevalent among West African instruments, is used to make the bolon. It is available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Goatskin is typically used to cover the finished gourd, and the wooden top portion is curved to the designer's preference.

Goatskin is twisted, and covered in more goatskin or cowskin, and a curved wood top is added to create the strings. The Bolon has been referred to by many names in other parts of Africa, such as Ngoni.

The Timbila 

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The Timbila is home to numerous African tribes, and there is something so intriguing about this instrument's operation. Dried gourds of various sizes are utilized to make this amazing instrument; the sounds are produced by the gourds. The timbila, I like to say is the mother of pianos because of how similar their sounds are. Numerous events feature performances on the timbila. 

    

             

                                                              Pinterest: Picture

The Lozi tribe, who live in Southern Zambia, refers to this instrument as silimba, which means music. Any social gathering involved the silimba. If you go to the tribe's yearly rain-god celebration known as kuomboka—which translates to "coming out of the water"—you will witness the king's immigration from the island to the mainland. Before the boat departs for the other side, the monarch is entertained by the magnificent silimba, who may be seen and heard during the occasion. 

The Sekere (Shekere)

West African traditional instruments like the Shekere are incredibly entertaining. It is played during festivals, weddings, and other relevant occasions as a party instrument. The Shekere, which has significant historical roots in Africa, traveled to the Caribbean along with many other African instruments. African customs and cultures are evident throughout the Caribbean and Americas, from hair and dancing to the melodic instrument known as the shekere. Many Africans were enslaved and transported from Africa to these regions.

           Picture: Afrohemien

The Shekere is a diverse instrument made from dried gourds, after several months of drying, the gourds are embellished with color and beaded designs. The Shekere's tone is determined by the gourds' size. Playing the Shekere is enjoyable and it's easy to carry.

The Sekere (Dancing Feet) 

The love of music among Black people is as old as time itself. Among the many African tribes that dance with their feet are the Motswana people of Botswana. The Motswana people take great pleasure in their colorful customs, but one remarkable aspect of their melodic traditions is still their dancing feet. The Nguni people have a wonderful method of creating sounds with their feet and instruments called the Sekere. 

Uneatable fruits are used to make Sekere; each fresh seed is removed individually and then tied together with an animal-skin rope. The combination of large and little seeds produces a beautiful sound. Three days are needed to make the Sekere.
Africa and music are one; they are humanity's rhythms and the sounds of the spirit.