African traditional music is a rich tapestry of sounds, rhythms, and stories that have been passed down through generations. It reflects the continent’s diverse cultures, histories, and communities. However, in the face of modernization and globalization, many of these traditional music forms risk being forgotten or diluted. Academic research plays a crucial role in documenting, analyzing, and promoting African traditional music, ensuring that these cultural treasures are preserved and appreciated on a global scale.
Documenting traditional musical forms
One of the primary contributions of academic research to African music is the systematic documentation of traditional music forms. Researchers often embark on fieldwork in remote villages and communities, recording and transcribing songs, rhythms, and instruments that may not be written down or widely known. This documentation is vital for preserving the music in its authentic form, capturing the nuances of performance, and ensuring that future generations have access to these cultural expressions.
For instance, ethnomusicologists studying the Griots of West Africa have been able to document their epic storytelling traditions, which are often performed with the accompaniment of the kora, a 21-string lute-bridge-harp. These recordings and transcriptions have not only preserved the music but have also shed light on the role of Griots as custodians of history and culture in West African societies.
Analyzing the Cultural Significance
Beyond documentation, academic research delves into the cultural, social, and historical contexts of African traditional music. This analysis helps in understanding the deeper meanings embedded in the music, such as its role in rituals, ceremonies, and community bonding. For example, research into the use of drums in Yoruba spiritual practices has revealed how drumming serves as a medium of communication with deities and ancestors, as well as a tool for social organization within communities.
This examination of history and context has become particularly imperative in modern times as the internet has created an increase in diaspora awareness of traditional African culture. For example, there is now a strong cross-cultural connection between the Yoruba of Brazil and the Yoruba of south-west Nigeria. Academic research can help push along the connection process, further building a stronger relationship between the two cultures.
Contributing to Global Recognition
Academic research also plays a pivotal role in bringing African traditional music to global platforms. Scholars often collaborate with musicians, cultural institutions, and global organizations to showcase African music in international festivals, concerts, and exhibitions. These collaborations have led to a greater global awareness of the diversity and richness of African music.
At Arts Connect Africa. We are working on a “Rhythms of Africa” project in conjunction with Ckrowd Africa and Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria to document traditional Nigerian music. The goal of the project is to document various Nigerian music genres, with the aim of creating awareness about their potential to contribute to the culture of their locales. Ultimately, we believe that traditional music genres can make an economic impact in the Nigerian creative economy.
Preserving and Innovating
Academic research on African traditional music ultimately plays its role in preservation and innovation. By documenting and analyzing these music forms, researchers help preserve them in their original state while also encouraging their evolution. Musicians and composers often draw inspiration from academic research to incorporate traditional elements into contemporary music, creating a fusion that resonates with both local and global audiences. At the ACA, one of our aims is cross-cultural connections, part of which involves exploring opportunities on how traditional African rhythms can fuse with modern genres like jazz, hip-hop, and electronic music to lead to the emergence of new musical styles that honor the past while embracing the present. This innovation not only keeps traditional music alive but also ensures its relevance in the modern world.
