African Musical Instrument JSS1 Cultural & Creative Arts (CCA) Lesson Note

Introduction to African Musical Instruments

African musical instruments are diverse tools used to create music across the African continent. These instruments have been developed over thousands of years and play essential roles in cultural expression, religious ceremonies, social gatherings, and entertainment. Each region and ethnic group has unique instruments that reflect their history, beliefs, and artistic traditions.

Classification of African Musical Instruments

African instruments are classified into four main categories based on how they produce sound:

1. Idiophones (Self-sounding instruments)
   1. Produce sound from the vibration of the instrument itself
   2. No strings or membranes needed
   3. Examples: bells, rattles, xylophones
2. Membranophones (Instruments with stretched membranes)
   1. Sound produced by vibrating membrane or skin
   2. Commonly known as drums
   3. Examples: talking drums, djembe, bata drums
3. Chordophones (String instruments)
   1. Sound produced by vibrating strings
   2. Plucked, bowed, or struck
   3. Examples: kora, kontigi, molo
4. Aerophones (Wind instruments)
   1. Sound produced by vibrating air column
   2. Blown or reed instruments
   3. Examples: flutes, horns, trumpets

Major African Musical Instruments

1. IDIOPHONES

Shekere

• Origin: West Africa (Yoruba)
• Description: Gourd covered with beaded net
• Playing method: Shaken or twisted
• Uses: Dance music, religious ceremonies
• Sound: Rhythmic rattling

Balafon

• Origin: West Africa (Mali, Guinea)
• Description: Wooden xylophone with gourd resonators
• Playing method: Struck with mallets
• Uses: Storytelling, ceremonies, entertainment
• Sound: Melodic, resonant tones

Udu

• Origin: Nigeria (Igbo)
• Description: Clay pot with side hole
• Playing method: Hit with palm and fingers
• Uses: Traditional and contemporary music
• Sound: Deep, hollow bass tones

Agogo

• Origin: West Africa
• Description: Double or single iron bell
• Playing method: Struck with metal rod
• Uses: Timekeeping in ensembles
• Sound: High-pitched metallic ring

Sistrum

• Origin: Ancient Egypt
• Description: U-shaped frame with metal discs
• Playing method: Shaken
• Uses: Religious ceremonies
• Sound: Jingling metallic sound

2. MEMBRANOPHONES

Djembe

• Origin: West Africa (Mali, Guinea)
• Description: Goblet-shaped drum with goat skin
• Playing method: Played with bare hands
• Uses: Communication, celebrations, rituals
• Sound: Wide range from bass to sharp slap

Talking Drum (Gangan/Dondo)

• Origin: West Africa (Yoruba, Hausa)
• Description: Hourglass-shaped with tension cords
• Playing method: Held under arm, struck with curved stick
• Uses: Communication, mimics tonal language
• Sound: Variable pitch, can “talk”

Bata Drums

• Origin: Yoruba (Nigeria)
• Description: Set of double-headed drums
• Playing method: Played with hands on both ends
• Uses: Religious ceremonies, Orisa worship
• Sound: Complex rhythmic patterns

Kpanlogo

• Origin: Ghana (Ga people)
• Description: Barrel-shaped drum
• Playing method: Played with hands
• Uses: Social dances, celebrations
• Sound: Deep, resonant bass

Frame Drum (Bendir)

• Origin: North Africa
• Description: Large shallow drum
• Playing method: Held vertically, struck with hands
• Uses: Sufi ceremonies, folk music
• Sound: Warm, resonant tone

3. CHORDOPHONES

Kora

• Origin: West Africa (Mandinka)
• Description: 21-string harp-lute
• Playing method: Plucked with thumbs and forefingers
• Uses: Storytelling, praise songs
• Sound: Harp-like, melodic

Ngoni

• Origin: West Africa
• Description: Plucked lute with 4-6 strings
• Playing method: Plucked with fingers
• Uses: Traditional griots, modern music
• Sound: Rhythmic, percussive plucking

Akonting

• Origin: Senegambia
• Description: Three-string folk lute
• Playing method: Strummed and plucked
• Uses: Folk music, storytelling
• Sound: Banjo-like tone

Musical Bow (Uhadi)

• Origin: Southern Africa
• Description: Single string on flexible stick
• Playing method: Struck or plucked, uses mouth as resonator
• Uses: Solo performance, meditation
• Sound: Subtle overtones

Krar

• Origin: Ethiopia
• Description: Bowl-shaped lyre
• Playing method: Strummed or plucked
• Uses: Traditional Ethiopian music
• Sound: Bright, rhythmic

4. AEROPHONES

Algaita

• Origin: West Africa (Hausa)
• Description: Double-reed wind instrument
• Playing method: Blown with circular breathing
• Uses: Ceremonies, processions
• Sound: Loud, penetrating tone

Fulani Flute

• Origin: West Africa (Fulani)
• Description: End-blown wooden flute
• Playing method: Blown across end
• Uses: Cattle herding, entertainment
• Sound: Soft, melodic

Kakaki

• Origin: Northern Nigeria
• Description: Long metal trumpet (3-4 meters)
• Playing method: Blown with pursed lips
• Uses: Royal ceremonies, announcements
• Sound: Loud, ceremonial fanfare

Oja

• Origin: Nigeria (Igbo)
• Description: Small wooden flute
• Playing method: Blown transversely
• Uses: Traditional music, masquerades
• Sound: High-pitched, piercing

Kudu Horn

• Origin: Southern Africa
• Description: Antelope horn
• Playing method: Blown as trumpet
• Uses: Signaling, ceremonies
• Sound: Deep, resonant call

Regional Variations

West Africa

• Dominance of drums and percussion
• Complex polyrhythmic patterns
• Talking drums for communication
• String instruments like kora

East Africa

• Lyre and harp traditions
• Unique drums like Ethiopian kebero
• Arab influence in coastal areas
• Traditional horns and flutes

Central Africa

• Slit drums for communication
• Thumb pianos (mbira family)
• Polyphonic singing traditions
• Forest-based instruments

North Africa

• Frame drums and tambourines
• Oud and stringed instruments
• Metal castanets (qarqaba)
• Reed instruments

Southern Africa

• Musical bows
• Mbira/kalimba traditions
• Unique vocal techniques
• Marimbas and xylophones

Cultural Significance

1. Communication
   1. Talking drums send messages
   2. Horns announce arrivals
   3. Drums signal gatherings
   4. Rhythms convey information
2. Religious Functions
   1. Connect with ancestors
   2. Invoke deities
   3. Accompany rituals
   4. Create sacred atmosphere
3. Social Functions
   1. Mark life transitions
   2. Accompany dances
   3. Entertainment at gatherings
   4. Work songs accompaniment
4. Political Functions
   1. Royal court music
   2. War drums
   3. Leadership symbols
   4. National identity

Making Simple African Instruments

Shaker (Shekere substitute) Materials: Plastic bottle, rice/beans, decorations Steps:

1. Fill bottle 1/3 with rice
2. Seal tightly
3. Decorate exterior
4. Practice rhythms

Rain Stick Materials: Cardboard tube, nails, rice Steps:

1. Insert nails in spiral pattern
2. Seal one end
3. Add rice
4. Seal other end
5. Tilt to create rain sound

Thumb Piano (Mbira substitute) Materials: Wood block, metal strips, screws Steps:

1. Attach metal strips to wood
2. Tune by adjusting length
3. Pluck with thumbs
4. Create patterns

Playing Techniques

1. Hand Positions
   1. Open palm for bass
   2. Fingers for high tones
   3. Slap for sharp sounds
   4. Muted strikes
2. Rhythm Patterns
   1. Call and response
   2. Polyrhythmic layers
   3. Syncopation
   4. Cross-rhythms
3. Ensemble Playing
   1. Listening skills
   2. Maintaining tempo
   3. Following lead drummer
   4. Creating conversations

Modern Adaptations

1. Fusion Music
   1. Afrobeat combinations
   2. Jazz influences
   3. Electronic integration
   4. World music collaborations
2. Contemporary Uses
   1. Recording studios
   2. Concert performances
   3. Music education
   4. Therapy applications
3. Innovations
   1. Electric versions
   2. Synthetic materials
   3. Digital sampling
   4. Hybrid instruments

Care and Maintenance

1. Storage
   1. Dry environment
   2. Proper cases
   3. Temperature control
   4. Moisture protection
2. Cleaning
   1. Regular dusting
   2. Proper oils for wood
   3. Skin conditioning
   4. String replacement
3. Repairs
   1. Professional restoration
   2. Preventive maintenance
   3. Traditional methods
   4. Modern techniques

Career Opportunities

1. Performance
   1. Traditional musician
   2. Fusion artist
   3. Session player
   4. Cultural ambassador
2. Education
   1. Music teacher
   2. Workshop facilitator
   3. Ethnomusicologist
   4. Cultural educator
3. Craftsmanship
   1. Instrument maker
   2. Restoration specialist
   3. Sound engineer
   4. Music therapist

Learning Resources

1. Local Masters
   1. Community elders
   2. Traditional musicians
   3. Cultural centers
   4. Music schools
2. Modern Resources
   1. Online tutorials
   2. Video lessons
   3. Music apps
   4. Digital archives

Conclusion

African musical instruments represent the rich cultural diversity of the continent. Each instrument carries historical significance, spiritual meaning, and artistic expression. Understanding these instruments helps preserve cultural heritage while inspiring new creative possibilities. Students learning about African instruments gain appreciation for traditional music, develop musical skills, and connect with their cultural roots. Whether used in traditional ceremonies or modern performances, African instruments continue to influence global music and inspire musicians worldwide.