Page 26 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 10

CULTURE

drum beat reflects the mood of the tribe and the dance as well, and can vary
depending on the purpose of each dance. The beat of the African drum is
considered the “heartbeat of the community” and its rhythm is what holds
the dancers together.

Preserve African Music, Dance and Song
Traditional African music, song and dance are under threat today due to the
popular ‘World Music’. Though it performs an important role in cultural
exchange and encourages creativity that enriches the international art scene,
this has caused many traditional African music, song and dance practices to
become abandoned. Drumming and dancing is no longer practiced in our
African Cities today, which is concern because there are few African countries
taking the steps to preserve these cultural practices left by our forefathers.

African Music, song and dance, is one of the one of the dynamic features
which is one way to set the mood, that make up the African culture. One sign of a healthy community is its
bringing everyone together as a simultaneous ability to preserve and invent its culture — that is, to conserve
community. clapping, stamping feet. its history and heritage while developing new expressions for current times.
The human voice however, is the Safeguarding measures for traditional performing arts should focus main-
most common instrument, changing ly on transmission of knowledge and techniques, of playing and making
in pitch and tone, due to the many instruments and strengthening the bond between master and apprentice. The
African languages being tonal and subtleties of a song, the movements of a dance and theatrical interpretations
full of inflection, going on to create should all be reinforced.
rhythmic music for African dance.
As dancers move in an expression Cultural heritage and history are frequently essential sources of meaning that
of their inner feelings, their move- have given the African continent the rich, colorful character and resonance.
ments are generally in rhythm to the
music. It is the sound of the music
and the rhythms that are played that
provide the heartbeat of the dance.
The music and dance are considered
inseparable, two parts of the same
activity. It expresses the mood of
the people and evokes emotion.

The African Drum
You cannot forget the African
drum. Drumming is a rich and
well-developed musical art form.
However, it is also inextricably
entwined with the art of dance;
most African villages would never
have drumming without dancing
at the same time. Drummers are
taught how to recreate the rhythms
precisely, with no room for varia-
tion or improvisation until their art
has been thoroughly absorbed. The
musician’s duty is far more than
just entertainment, since the dances
and music are seen as the glue that
helps hold the tribe together. The

26 | Heal . Restore . Rebirth . Afrika