The Songs Of African

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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 songs, as the name suggests, are songs that have their roots and origin in the continent of Africa. Africa is home to many different cultures from many different countries. Some of these cultures have been very prolific in getting their music out there and it has been accepted well by both the African and international markets. There have been different African songs that have made it to the world stage. Let’s take a look at a few.

The Afro Beat is one of the most easily recognized and most popular types of African music. These African songs blend together different styles to create a unique new sound. The Afro Beat draws from percussion, jazz, funky rhythms from the 70s, and Yoruba music. Fela Kuti is credited with creating this musical style. He was a Nigerian musician who used his music to express his radical political opinions. This style of music became very popular in Africa and has caught the attention of the world stage. It has grown into one of the most influential musical styles to emerge from Africa. A newer form or variation is Afro talk which was recently created by an artist simply known as Georgy B. This form of music is quickly gaining popularity and is the next genre of music to hit the airwaves.

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.

African music known as Lingala is common in the Central and East African regions. Its origins can be traced to the Democratic Republic of Congo. A particular form of Lingala known as Saben is said to have its rhythm based upon the sounds of a moving train. Saben is one of the most popular African songs and the most common form of Lingala. This musical influence has spread beyond the Congo and is played in many parts of Africa today.

Kapungala is a unique blend of Lingala and Kapuka. Kapuka is a traditional type of African music played by the people of Kenya. Kapungala brings together the old and new and emerges with a distinct new sound that is quickly gaining popularity in the East African market.

Africa is also known for its many traditional African folk songs. These songs have deep roots and have been passed down through the generations. These songs tell the history of African ancestors and the story of Africa itself. They were used for teaching and instilling morals. Some of these African songs are work songs that groups of women would sing as they toiled in the field or went about their daily chores. These songs kept them motivated and provided them with an outlet for expression.

As one can see, African songs have a colorful history as well as a world of diversity. The cultural richness in Africa will continue to produce good African music for the whole world to enjoy. This is truly exhibited in all forms of the variety of African songs available today.

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.

categories: African songs,African music,African history,African slaves,African movies,About Africa,Africa,African people,African culture,African traditional

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