African Music

Question 1

A musical feature of drum ensembles

Answer 1

Cross rhythm/ polyrhythm

Question 2

Two musical features for voice

Answer 2

Homophony and use of scale of 4 to 7 notes

Question 3

Where is music usually performed?

Answer 3

It is part of everyday activities, performed by specialist musicians in rites and ceremonies. The voice is used at every occasion.

Question 4

Describe the African drums

Answer 4

Made from wood, metal earthenware or large gourds. They come in different shapes and sizes and are played using hands or sticks.

Question 5

Describe the Talking drums

Answer 5

Imitates features of speech, the strings between skins to change pitch and are hit with a stick.

Question 6

Describe African strings

Answer 6

Include various types of lute, harp and zither. Kora, which is a long necked harp.

Question 7

Describe African winds

Answer 7

Three different types: flutes (often bamboo), horns and trumpets, reed pipes.

Question 8

Other instruments:

Answer 8

Balafon - xylophone with gourd bowls
Mbira/kalimba - thumb piano
Shekere - African cabassa
Rattles, gongs, rasps

Question 9

Features of the voice

Answer 9

A cappella - strophic (split into verses) or call and response.