Music - African Music

 African music is not normally written down, but mostly passed on through oral tradition – by word of mouth. It is customary to integrate music with other art forms, particularly dance. Instrumentalists are often expected to be able to sing, as well as play. Unlike in Europe, where an ‘audience’ will usually sit and watch a performance ‘quietly and politely’ – in Africa it is much more common for people to ‘join in’. Shouting and cheering from the audience are often an integral part of the performance – performances can often last several hours.