ROR FOLK

Some popular African folk acts that resonate with an international audience in the continent today, include master drummer Mustapha Tettey Addy from Ghana and South African activist and singer/songwriter, Simphiwe Dana. Through their definitive storytelling talents, the people of Africa tell their compelling history through song.

Other traditional styles of Africa’s folk music available for education and enjoyment include Marabi from South Africa, Gnawa from the Sahara desert region, Chimurenga from Zimbabwe, Apala from the Muslim Yoruba diaspora, Juju from Nigeria and western Africa, Mbaqanga with Zulu roots, and Kwela from the southern regions of Africa, and Makossa from sub-Saharan Africa.

Truth is that the list of folk musical instruments and the music generated from them over the centuries is long and strong. Scholars have shown how influences from all over Africa are directly traceable through the colonization era to contemporary inflections and melodies from all over Europe.

The birth of African folk music that we know and love today is attributed to its tragic roots in slavery when native tribes used song to communicate with one another. The slaves actually brought back percussion and string instruments (especially banjo) from Africa. In America, both solemn and spirited folk songs spurred the birth of rock n’ roll and paved the way for jazz and blues with legends like Billie Holiday and Robert Johnson sharing their life stories in their lyrics.

African folk music has been in flux for centuries, and has incorporated influences from the various cultures and traditions which have affected its history in modern times. The sound ranges through as many varieties as there are colors on a tapestry or emotions in a receptive human being. There are comprehensive archives of tunes, symphonies, and songs on the internet for your sampling as well.

By Evangeline W