Discover the instruments of African music
African music is a story of tradition. Passed down from generation to generation, its main characteristics are rhythm, with the use of many percussions or body playing modes, and polyrhythm with a superposition of several rhythms. The best-known instrument is undoubtedly the djembe. Carved from heavy wood, its shape is reminiscent of the mortar used to pound grain. It is covered with goat or cow skin, stretched by a braid of ropes. afrostore which promotes African music in Belgium, Europe and its surroundings tells you more.
A varied range
Every continent has had its own unique range of musical instruments since prehistoric times. Africa is no exception! And although they are less well-known than the djembe, many instruments are an integral part of African music. Let's start with the kora. It is a harp-lute from West Africa of the string family. It produces a particularly delicate and deep sound. Next comes the balafon, a percussion instrument from West Africa. It is played either standing with straps supporting the balafon, or sitting, and is struck using two rubber-covered sticks.
Between tradition and modernity
A rather unusual instrument: the vuvuzela! It is a horn about 70 cm long, popularized in the 1990s by supporters of the two football clubs in Soweto, South Africa. It is an instrument that requires a powerful blow to emit a monotonous sound similar to that of a fog horn. Modern or traditional, instruments also combine on the African continent. And it is not uncommon to hear piano or guitar mixed with older African instruments!
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