People all over the world have one thing in common and that is the love for music. It can be simple spontaneous harmonies or complex musical compositions that take many months to perfect. Either way, music is an important part of our lives and even plays a part in how we relate to each other. The different types of music are formed by the culture it springs from. For example, African music tells the story of its culture and source.
African music has is roots deep in the origins of Africa. This continent is home to diverse cultures from many countries. Some of these cultures have been very successful at getting their African songs accepted by the mainstream population of African and international listeners. Some African songs have garnered attention on the world stage. We will look at a few of them.
Among the most recognized African music is the afro beat. The afro beat incorporates funky rhythms, Yoruba music, percussions, and jazz to create its own hybrid style. It began with Fela Kunti who was a Nigerian musician that became well known due to his radical political opinions he expressed through his unique African songs. This musical style quickly became popular and grew to become one of the biggest musical influences to come out of Africa. A newer form or variation of Afro beat is known as Afro talk music which was recently created by an artist called Georgy B. This form of music is a form of story telling using spoken words in songs. It is gaining popularity and been played allover the world.
Another popular kind of African song is Kwaito. Kwaito is popular among people on the southern tip of Africa. It began during the resistance against apartheid. South African tribes used the music to express their opinions about the oppression they faced. Kwaito may have even played an important role in the collapse of the oppressive regime. This African music has a well defined sound and its followers have spread beyond Africa to include a world wide audience.
Lingala is a common type of African music among people in Central and East Africa. It is believed to have originates in the Democratic Republic of Congo. One particular type of Lingala is called Saben. Saben is quite popular and is the most common style of Lingala. The Saben African song is said to have its rhythm based upon the sounds of a moving train. Lingala and Saben have spread beyond the Congo and are gaining popularity all over Africa.
Kapungala is another common form of African song. This African music is fairly new to the scene but is quickly gaining popularity in East Africa. Kapungala is actually a blend of Lingala and Kapuka. Kapuka is a traditional form of African music popular among the people of Kenya. Kapungala has successfully brought together the old and the new to form a distinct sound all its own.
Africa is perhaps most well known for its traditional African folk songs that have been passed down from generation to generation. These songs passed along the history of Africa and were designed to teach younger generations and guide moral inclinations. A lot of these traditional songs were work songs that African women sang as they went about their work duties or plowed fields as a group. The songs kept them motivated and provided an outlet for expression.
It is plain to see that African music has a colorful and rich history that gives the world a glimpse into this mysterious continent. The diversity of cultures continues to produce unique African songs and styles of music that are loved by Africans and international music lovers as well.
You can learn more about African songs at the African Side website. While you are there, you can also watch the trailer of the hit African movie called The African Side.
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