The Music of Africa
You’ve Got Rhythm

Sub-Saharan Africa

Geography and Brief History of Sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction to the Region

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Many Africans reckon the bonds of family laterally and linearly One village may have a genealogy of a common ancestor Professional caste of musicians memorize these genealogies and recite them in song Each musical instrument has a spirit of it own.

Introduction to the Region: Polyrhythm
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The most distinctive of traditional African musical characteristics Different meters or metrical starting points going on at once

Characteristics of Traditional African Music
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Ostinato 1. A short pattern that repeats over and over 2. ostinato most often refers to a repeating melody, but can also refer to a repeating rhythm.

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3. In Africa, ostinatos often form foundations for improvisation, variation, or the addition of other patterns Use of percussion 1. This characteristic reflects the Sub-Saharan emphasis on making music with drums, rattles, bells, xylophones, and mbiras. 2. Some orchestras include only percussion instruments, and nonpercussion instruments are sometimes played in a percussive manner 3. such instruments as harps, lyres, horns, and flutes are equally important in many areas. 3.1.harps, lyres, horns, and flutes are equally important in many areas

Characteristics
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Background Shimmer
1. African musicians often attach beads, coins, or other small objects to their instruments to create a constant buzzing or rattling sound in the background of a performance.

• Close Connection between Music and Language
1. Drums executing a combination of rhythm and pitch that represent spoken syllables and form a kind of speech illustrate the close association between music and words. 2. Nearly all traditional African music involves song.

Characteristics
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The Participatory Nature of the