Music class notes on History and Analysis of African Music

History and Analysis of African Music

Music in Society:

In Traditional African Societies, music was part of the everyday life of members of the
various communities. Music punctuated every activity that was undertaken. From naming a
newly born child to one passing on; music is used to praise the parents and console the
bereaved respectively.

Social activities in a community use music, and such include, beer parties, communal work
and victory celebrations.



Occasions of Traditional African Music Performance.

 Child Birth: This is a community affair, and a venue of music-making as a new
member is welcomed in the community. There is different music for the birth if twins
as compared to that of a single child.
 Child Naming: Each community has a way of naming a child, and music is part of the
process.
 Initiation: This is a rite of passage from childhood to adulthood, and music is used.
Different communities have different ways of initiation.
 Marriage: This involves two people, a man, and a woman, coming together to form
their own family. It is a time to celebrate through singing and dancing. Marriage and
wedding songs are performed.
 Communal work: Activities like harvesting, digging and mudding the house were
traditionally done for communal purposes/ basis accompanied by music. During
work, traditional songs were performed.
 Funerals: When a person passes on, people sing in his/ her praise and console the
bereaved family.
 Social Gathering: Beer parties, meetings, bullfighting and wrestling matches. During
such occasions, songs relevant to the event are performed.



Roles and Functions of Traditional African Music.

Child Birth:

Music is performed to:

 Praise the parents for the new born.
 Welcome the new born in the society.
 Entertain the people gathered.

Naming Ceremony:

, Music is performed to:

 Appease the ancestors.
 Entertain the gathering.

Initiation:

Before initiation, songs and dances are performed to:

 Encourage the initiated to be brave.
 Mock the cowards.
 Tell the historical aspects of initiation in the community.
 Entertain the initiates.

After initiation is undertaken, songs and dances are performed to:

 Congratulate the initiates for their bravery.
 Mock those who may have feared.
 Educate the initiates on their new social responsibilities as adults.
 Welcome them to adult life in the society.

Marriage:

In a marriage ceremony, songs and dances are performed to:

 Praise the groom and bride.
 Mock either of them depending on the group performing.
 Advice them on their new roles.
 Educate them about marriage life in the community’s culture.
 Welcome the bride to her new home.
 Entertain the gathering.

Communal Work:

During communal work, songs and dances are performed to:

 Make the work appear easy.
 Boost morale of the workers.
 Thank God for a harvest.
 Mock the lazy workers.
 Encourage the community members to work together.

Funerals:

During funerals, songs and dances are performed to:

 Praise the dead as dirges.
 Console the bereaved family.
 Entertain mourners