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1.8: African Folk Music

  • Page ID
    238541
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    Zimbabwe

    The mbira is an integral part of the folk music of Zimbabwe. It is a common small keyboard type instrument that is played by the performers’ thumbs. Its metal reeds are tuned to different pitches, and it is usually used to accompany vocalists.

    clipboard_ea82d613107570ea4737c06bfecde4683.png
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Mbira Dzavadzimu. ( CC BY-SA 3.0; Alex Weeks via Wikimedia Commons )

    Zimbabwe - Mbira music at Copacabana Harare Zimbabwe

    Senegal

    Senegal is a country located on the far coast of West Africa. In Senegal, the traditional stretched skin drum is called the djembe. By way of contrast, modern Senegalese music shows an American influence; synthesizer sounds, drum set, and electric bass and guitar are often used.

    clipboard_ea2680592bc7c23dac8d58776a0b32c38.png
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Djembe. (Copyright; Djembe Art via Wikimedia Commons )

    Senegal - Traditional djembe drummers

    Senegal Music - Modern – (Bakane featuring Viviane Yayu Diere)

     

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