Essay Sample on Music in Africa

Introduction

Unlike other formal West African song that gives history and cultural origin of the Mende people, Jarabi was composed to promote national spirit and renaissance. The song emerged at a time when the government embarked on supporting the return of traditional music. Jarabi, which means love, was intended to represent and promote appreciation for a country, culture and the people residing in the country. Its composition was after the independence of the Mali Federation and therefore the birth of a new nation as a joy to the people. The song can be performed in war-torn countries to enjoin hope and resolve.

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Sona plays the Kora, a West African harp. Although kora was traditionally performed by men, she changes the rules and plays the instrument so well. It is a West African harp-like instrument made of several strings and a calabash body. It was common amongst professional musicians "jeli" in performing Malian musical and oral traditions (Charry, 2000). It is believed to have originated from the valleys of river Gambia, later spreading to West African countries like Mali, Guinea and Senegal. It is one of the most advanced string instruments which is unique. Kora has been played for centuries at royal courts by griots in social functions. The song Jarabi incorporates the kora with electric and muted guitars and drum sets. Sona plays the kora very well in an individual style combined with her vocals, in "Malinke", which are soulful, with the Karinyan and djibe making the song retain its traditional taste. The combination of the various instruments is so efficient that it sounds like all the instrumentals in a single band. Jarabi is a particular song as it uses kora as the primary musical instrument unlike in most songs where it is used as a backing for a singer.

Traditionally, the Kora instrument was played to accompany a spoken or sung story of a person or a community. The tool was used to entertain people in social gatherings while dancers keep to the beats. Kora could also be played alongside instruments like Contango, Marimba and Balafon by singers in their various performances. In the song Jarabi, it is combined with guitars, giving a beautiful tune. Kora is also symbolic as it represents some traditional beliefs. The 21 chords, for instance, are believed t represent the stages in the life of a child.

Despite Sona having roots from the United Kingdom, she maintains at composing purely African music. This loyalty is one critical factor that helps a community keep its identity. The repetitive structure of the song from the sound of music goes alongside language in any given society. The cultural element is clearly expressed by the expression of the song and the instruments. The song doesn't require understanding the lyrics, but the message is passed on to the audience.

West African countries dominated by made culture are known for the kora playing expertise. In the Gambia, it is performed by the Mandinka people, where Sona Jobarteh is believed to have her roots. Jarabi is a traditional song originally from Mali. It is a favourite classic song in West Africa with unique instrumentation, alternating rhythms and sweet melodies. It is spiced up with modern musical elements enhancing the music while still retaining its initial quality. Although some modifications are made on the kora instrument and it's playing rhythms, the West African music maintains its originality.

References

Charry, E. (2000). Mande music: Traditional and modern music of the Maninka and Mandinka of Western Africa. University of Chicago Press.