Rich culture of Africa: Music

This is for the youth who are interested in Africa. Music in Africa has an distinctive art that we cannot find anywhere in the world. I was hoping by understanding Africa through music which is a common sound everywhere, Africa will not be all about the negative image.

If someone asks you about Africa, what would you tell them?

I would definitely talk about the rich culture of music in Africa, how talented they are.

Bobby McFerrin was surely the first person who inspired me to African culture when I was a little kid.

Even though McFerrin is an African-American vocalist, listening to the 'Flight of the Bumblebee' in the album he recorded with Yo-Yo ma, it showed the talent that many people will not be able to have.

Nowadays, many singers who are originally from Africa are getting attention from the teens in the United States especially as rappers; for example, Senegalese rapper Akon and K'naan who was born in Somalia.

However, the problem is the lack of information about African music.

Yes, we know that these singers are from Africa and very talented because of their home country but nothing else.

Therefore, this project will give the opportunity to spread the African music culture to those who are interested in music or Africa's culture.

I've been taking African music courses in the School of Oriental and African Studies which I hope will help my research in Tanzania.

There is a traditional music genre called 'taarab' which is especially popular in Tanzania and Kenya.

Taarab music reflects many of the cultures throughout East Africa and other region but it is well-known as a wedding music or music for social gathering rituals.

When comparing the taarab music with the West African music especially in Mali, it shows similar characteristics such as the up tempo rhythm and dancing type of music which reminds of Youssou N'Dour but with women vocal.

Also, there are Tanzania instruments that I would like to listen to (or play) when I travel to Tanzania like ilimba which is a thumb piano.

Music is a deep culture in Africa so there are many useful resources.

However, it is difficult to explain them without listening to them, therefore I would link some of the videos from YouTube.

(Youtube can be one of the very useful website in order to search about African music)

This is my first time seeing someone so confident in singing without making sure the tune before singing.

This music shares a similar sound with the one above even it is the music from the West Africa.

Asako Sato