Africa not only boasts one of the most diverse and beautiful landscapes of any continent, but it also has one of the richest musical backgrounds. The most distinctive feature of African music surrounds the complexity of its rhythmic patterning using a variety of drums. Music within the sub-Saharan regions of Africa, was influenced by Europeans who brought a different style of Western music into the area. The music of these areas began to merge with the differing Western styles of music and formed a new urban style of music called "high life." This music from these West African areas formed the foundation for what would later be called jazz music. For example, the pentatonic scale from West Africa created the jazz scale.
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of African music, especially for Western listeners, is that it ignores harmony, which is a key aspect of western music. Instead, African music focuses upon melodies, rhythm, and timbre. The distinctive rhythms with their steadfast sense of time, still fascinate listeners of all cultures. If you want to read more about the background of African music and its legacies look at African music page.
This excerpt comes from the artist Aicha Kone, and it is from her album entitled Poro Dance. The name of the song is Adouma and the record label is Tamars, 1992. For more music like this see African music.
Click here to download music clip
The title of this track is called Zogoda N' Zoue and is by the artist N.S.T. Cophie's. The excerpt is taken from their album entitled Green and Peace. If you would like to know more about African music like this see African music.
Click here to download music clip
This clip comes from the artist Lucky Dube off of his album House of Exile. The song is entitled Running, Falling and the record label is Celluloid. For more information about music like this see African music.
Click here to download music clip
Deyess is as beautiful as her spicy Carribbean/Latin like song entitled Nakei off her album also called Nakei (1992). This clip makes you want to move to its exotic rhythm. If you want to learn more about music of this sort see African music.
Click here to download music clip
The soft tenor voice of Lokua Kanza is captured in this next clip. The title of the song is Mutoto Song off of his self entitled album Lokua Kanza (1993). For more information on Lokua and African music see African music.
Click here to download music clip