Taking a West African drumming class has been an eye-opening journey that not only immersed me in the vibrant rhythms and melodies of African music but also offered profound insights into the diverse roles and significance of music across different cultures. Through this experience, I’ve come to appreciate how music serves as a cornerstone of African society, interwoven into the fabric of daily life, spirituality, and communal identity. There is an immense variety of instruments used in African music, from drums crafted from natural materials to xylophones and harps, revealing how each instrument carries layers of cultural significance. The customs surrounding musical practices vary across regions, from strict rules regarding who plays instruments and initiation ceremonies, as seen in Rwanda’s royal drum tradition, to the more fluid and communal approach among Pygmy communities.
The emphasis on oral tradition in West African music highlighted the importance of passing down knowledge through generations. Through call-and-response patterns and storytelling embedded within the music, I realized how African communities have preserved their histories, values, and wisdom over centuries, transcending geographical boundaries. The livelihoods of musicians in African societies vary, ranging from semi-professional musicians who travel between villages to professional griots who serve as the living archives of their people’s traditions. The complex societal roles occupied by griots underscore the intertwined relationship between music, culture, and social hierarchy.
Comparing African musical traditions with Western European norms, it becomes apparent that while Western music places value on the exclusivity of performance, African music integrates seamlessly into daily life, accessible to all members of the community. This emphasis on community engagement and inclusivity stands out as a defining feature of African music, reflecting the interconnectedness of culture, identity, and everyday life. My West African drumming class experience has not only deepened my understanding of African musical practices but also prompted reflections on the varying importance of music in different cultures and my life.
