Africa is home to over 800 million people from diverse cultural backgrounds where music plays an integral role in their lives. Traditional African music is used for various purposes like worship, courtship and entertainment, and is typically polyrhythmic in nature involving two or more rhythms performed simultaneously. Highly skilled griot musicians commonly perform this communal music which serves as an expression of life through sounds.

1. UNIT IV
WELCOME TO AFRICA
and
LATIN AMERICA

2. Lesson 13
Vocal Music
from Africa

3. ♦ Africa- is home to approximately 800 million
people from different cultural backgrounds and
traditions.
♦ Music- is an integral part of the lives of the
African people. It goes much deeper than just
singing songs for rituals or special ceremonies.
♦ Traditional African music- is used for worship and
courtship, for easing up hard work , and simply for
giving pleasure or entertainment. It is basically an
expression of life through sounds.
♦ Griots- highly skilled musician
♦ Performing African music-is a communal activity,
which is basically polyrhythmic in pattern.
♦ Polyrhythmic- two or more basic rhythms
simultaneously.