African Music

 The story behind the build-up of Africa is astonishing. I wish we would have learned more about this in school. It is very interesting to know that many empires were being built and created during the time Columbus sailed the Atlantic. Not only that, but the first person to actually sail the Atlantic was African, and it was not Columbus. This is monumental and should be taught in all schools. Now to the culture of Africa. Africa has so many beautiful parts to its culture. All the way from hair, clothing, and music. Obviously, I will touch base on the most important topic today, music. 

Agbekor Drumming

Agbekor Drumming is a traditional drumming/dancing style, that we talked about in class. I found an article that tells a lot about it and the author says some interesting things. "Agbekɔ is a narrative piece that weaves together drumming, dancing, singing and chanting to recount the story of a small village that successfully fended off an attack by a much larger urban army over 500 years ago." ( Jeremy Cohen 1). This reminds me of a story in the Bible when Gideon and 300 soldiers went around the Midianite camp with trumpets and torches inside of clay pots. The Midianites got scared and ended up killing each other. The African soldiers used that style of drumming to do the same thing. Now it has been preserved and created as a tradition. 

https://thisworldmusic.com/agbekor-african-drumming-and-dance-from-ghana/

The Shaker

The Shaker is another traditional instrument in Africa. Much like in the Native American culture. In Africa, instead of making shakers out of dried animal bladders, they make them out of gourds. In music, it sounds so beautiful and it adds to the melody in a marvelous way. Below is an example of the shaker being used and a slight history of it. 

Lastly, one thing that interests me is the tradition of hair. Hair is a significant part of women's culture in Africa. Different braiding styles and hair wraps have been around for thousands of years. The hair these women create is not just a hairstyle it is culture, tradition, and art. 

South America

 South America is a pretty interesting place. They have many different things that make their culture unique. One thing I thought was pretty interesting was that they made their own detergent. They have this plant that they use to make it. In the video down below, it shows a lady washing wool in it. They not only wash wool for making fabrics, but they actually wash their clothes too. I know we watched this video before, but I wanted to share it again because it is truly amazing to see what the ladies are doing. 

I love how different and unique this culture is apart from others. When listening to traditional music, we hear many sounds we might not have ever heard before. The instruments used are much different than what we usually hear in the music we listen to. I can only make out a few of these unique sounds. I do not recognize a lot of the instruments used in the song below, but I hear a few that I remember. I know that one can hear a drum beating to a steady rhythm. I hear a couple of other sounds that I do not recognize, but I can not stop listening! 

When researching for this post, I found an interesting article. (I will link it down below) It talks about how even with new pop music coming into South America, tradition will always be number one. It goes into detail in describing each part of South America and the traditional music there. Even if you do not want to read and watch the whole thing, I would at least take a peek at it. In the videos showing the music, you may find some similarities but also some huge differences. In the video for Brazil, you very distinctly hear a flute. In the video for Ecuador, you hear a piano. Both videos give off two completely different vibes, and tunes. 

https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/articles/the-most-quintessential-music-of-each-south-american-country/

Music and Religion in My World

     Growing up, I was raised in a Christian home. I started attending my dad's home church when I was a baby, Shiloh United Methodist Church. Yes, I know that is a mouthful, but trust me you'll hear a lot more when you speak to any of the older couples there. I hold this church near to my heart. I grew up in this church, watched as lightning struck it and burned it down to the ground, and then growing as a church family while we rebuilt it. 

    Although I have attended this church since I was a baby, I have been to many other denominations. I would often stay at a friend's house and go to church with them the next morning, or attend a variety of funeral services. Some of the other church denominations include the following: Pentecostal Holiness, Southern Baptist, First Baptist, and Presbyterian. Now, they may sound like there is not much of a difference in any of these, but I assure you that you are mistaken. Try sitting in the back row of a Pentecostal church after going to a Baptist service. For those of you confused there is a nickname for baptists. Other churches call them "Back row Baptists" meaning you sit down with your hands in your lap and say "Amen" quietly. Methodist churches are the same way. Pentecostal churches have you jumping and praising with both arms out. 

Music in my religion is very important. We typically sing three to four different songs throughout the service. There are many different kinds of music heard in a Christian Church. First, you have the old-time beautiful hymn. These are very traditional in my home church. Then you have Contemporary Christian music. This music is more common now than it used to be. My church attempts to add at least one contemporary song every other Sunday. There is also rock, country, and many more. 

Here is one of my favorite hymns. "Church in the Wildwood"

Here is a contemporary song, "Breathe". 

Both of these songs are my favorite and my go-to when I am feeling like I am drifting away from God. Typically music is used to praise God. Imagine that the preacher just preached an amazing sermon, and the last song of the service relates to it perfectly and you are singing your heart out praising God with tears falling down your face. That is my definition of a perfect Sunday service. 

Typically in my church, it is expected to hear both the piano and the organ. The organ is used to sort of "back up" the piano. When the music is being played the piano acts as the lead, and you hear the organ in and out of the song. In other churches, they will have live bands and singers that lead worship. This is typically found in bigger churches. The band will include the following instruments: a piano, guitar, drums, and sometimes a banjo. 

I love how music is used in my church and how important it is to each service. Christianity would be completely different without music and singing. Music is a key part to praising God. 

Native American Culture

 When talking about Native American culture, I tend to lean towards the Cherokee tribe. My great-great-great-grandmother was Cherokee. Her name was Mary Three Feathers Swan. My grammy has always made a point to teach me about her. Because of my ancestors, I love to learn more about this tribe. I found a traditional Cherokee lullaby that I really liked. It has a conjunct melody. When listening to the song you can hear the flute. The flute is one of many traditional instruments for Native Americans. When listening very closely, you can also hear a drum beating at a very constant beat.

Here is "Usti" A Cherokee Lullaby

There are many kinds of music in the Native American culture. One of my favorite kinds of music in the culture is Healing songs. They are beautiful and listening to them brings a sense of peace. They are very softly sung and have a very conjunct melody. In this video, you can hear one main singer and a few other singers singing with him. There may be a drum beating very quietly in the background every so often, but other than that the song just shows the pure beauty of the voices of these singers. Here is "Lakota Peyote" a Healing Song. 

 One thing I have really enjoyed watching and learning about in class is Pow Wows. It is so fascinating to see the dancers and their traditional dress. I like how it is like a dance competition. Not only does it allow participants to have fun and when money, but it also allows them to indulge and learn about their culture. As a dancer, I enjoy watching and studying their style of dance. They often use dance as a prayer or a way of healing, much like I do. In a way, I use dance to heal mentally and some Christian churches use dancing as a way of worship. Even though there are some similarities, there is nothing more original and beautiful than traditional Native American dancing. Here is a video of a Pow Wow.