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The first thing often thought of whenever African Music is brought up is fast paced intense drumming. Although we appreciate the power and energy that comes from the drum, we can also appreciate the soothing sounds of other African Instruments.
The Kora is one of the most famed African music instruments after the drum.This wonderful instrument gives off a sound quite similar to the harp, although it reserves a uniqueness of its own. We thought to share with you this amazingly peaceful piece by Toumani Diabate, a Malian Kora player. He guides us through the history of the instruments as he goes along.
Beautiful and Calming.
"A kora is built from a large calabash cut in half and covered with cow skin to make a resonator, and has a notched bridge. It does not fit well into any one category of western instruments and would have to be described as a double bridge harp lute. The sound of a kora resembles that of a harp, though when played in the traditional style, it bears a closer resemblance to flamenco and delta blues guitar techniques. The player uses only the thumb and index finger of both hands to pluck the strings in polyrhythmic patterns (using the remaining fingers to secure the instrument by holding the hand posts on either side of the strings)."
"Kora players have traditionally come from griot families (also from the Mandinka nationalities) who are traditional historians, genealogists and storytellers who pass their skills on to their descendants. The instrument is played in Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso and The Gambia. A traditional kora player is called a Jali, similar to a 'bard' or oral historian. Most West African musicians prefer the term 'jali' to 'griot', which is the French word"
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whoa ... what an amazing sound! its great to see a single instrument unify more than one country!!! this instrument is truly representative of the true spirit of Africa!
ReplyDeleteIt truly is! Very unique and Calming sound!
ReplyDeleteWind instruments of the trumpet and horn types are played in orchestras, in hocket fashion, with each instrument supplying its one note to the melodic whole. The algaita, an oboe-type instrument of West Africa, is probably of Islamic influence. Xylophones are common, particularly in the East where the Chopi xylophone orchestras of Mozambique perform polyphonic dance suites of uncommon beauty. An instrument unique to African and African-American music is the mbira or sanza (called thumb piano in earlier writings); it consists of a set of thumb-plucked metal tongues mounted on a board, often with a gourd resonator.
ReplyDeleteThe drum played either by hand or by using sticks, is an important musical instrument in African culture. They use drums as a means of communication, in fact, much of their history and culture have been passed on for generations through music. Music is a part of their daily life; it is used to convey news, to teach, to tell a story and for religious purposes. Find African Music Videos