West Africa Lesson

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Music has always been an important part of life in West Africa. It serves many functions in society. It communicates ideas, values, and feelings. It celebrates historic events and important occasions in people's lives. For instance, there are certain songs for weddings, celebrations, or ceremonies honoring ancestors.

Listen to the clip of traditional West African music.

a song style in which a singer or musician leads with a call and a group responds with a short and simple response

Enslaved Africans brought call-and-response songs to the Americas. Slaves used the songs to ease the burden of hard work, celebrate social occasions, or express outrage at their situation.

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Drummers perform during parties, religious meetings, and ceremonies.

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Their drums are made out of hollowed out logs or pieces of wood.

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West African slaves brought their drumming traditions to the Americas. 

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Traditional musical instruments in West Africa include three that have been used for centuries:

- balafon

- ngoni

- kora

​Dances are performed for all kinds of occasions.

They dance during rituals and ceremonies that mark important events in people's lives. They also dance to seek the help of spirits and to connect with dead ancestors.

Influence on America

• Enslaved Africans brought their music and drumming to America.

• Jazz, gospel, blues, rock and roll, and rap are all influenced by West African musical styles.​

• Because slaves could communicate through drumming, slaves were not allowed to make or own them.​

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