AFRICA

Music is important in the life of African people. In America, we tend to be spectators or listeners. Nearly everyone in Africa sings and plays one or two instruments.  African musicians rarely stand on a stage as they do in America.  They perform among the audience and move, or “dance,” while playing.

Africans make music in the home, at the marketplace, and at social gatherings. Also, music plays an important part in political, religious, and ceremonial life. Music has roles in healing, at trials, announcing the presence of very important people like chiefs and kings, weddings, funerals, and visits of important people.