Cool Stuff: African Music

  

The Mbira:

    Originating in Zimbabwe over a thousand years ago, this instrument is played using the index and thumb fingers to vibrate tuned metal pieces. This can then be played with both hands, allowing for a melody and harmony to be played at the same time. The timbre of the instrument is very light and chime-like, with a high note range. By constructing it out of simple materials such as metal and wood, the portability and storage of the instrument itself increases (a trait key for traveling musicians and families). This instrument also has a descendant called the Kalimba, which is similarly constructed but with slight note/timbre differences as well as its default tuning. The Kalimba is also very popular in modern media, and is often featured in many viral music videos for its soothing sound and simple appearance.

The Gome:

    Similarly to the Mbira, the Gome drum originated from South Africa (specifically Ghana). Like many South African drums, it features an animal hide face with which to strike to produce base notes and powerful tones. However, one key feature that is unique to this drum is its capability to be played with both the musician's feet and hands (either separately or at the same time). By sitting on top of the instrument, the heel of the foot can act as both a mute and a mallet, while the hand/palm strikes for sharper notes. This then allows for not only ample percussion, but further expression during both group and solo playing from the musician.

South African Folk Dances (Domba, Volo, Ingoma, Indlamu & Mzansi):

    (*Warning for occasional/slight light flashes*)

    For my last topic, I wanted to include some traditional folk dances from across South Africa. In this example, the Domba, Volo, Ingoma (male and female dance), Indlamu & Mzansi are featured, along with drumming from Zulu culture. The vast array of both dancers and techniques displayed during this presentation reveal how diverse the cultures are across South Africa truly are (contrary to the common belief/concept of simple and migratory tribes/communities).  Along with the Zulu drumming, the dancers also use traditional items from each of the represented cultures (such as the traditional regalia at 3:35, or the war shields at 8:40). By coupling these traditions in a performative manner in front of an audience, culture can not only survive but serve as education both in and out of the original communities, furthering public knowledge as well as awareness of the diverse world around them.