Folk Music Focus 

THE MUSIC OF AFRICA

 

READ TO ME In Africa, its very common to sing songs and dance together in groups.  Different kinds of instruments are used in different parts of  Africa.  All parts of Africa use different kinds of drums.

 

 

Learn about the Udu Drum in World Instruments!  

 

 

READ TO ME   The song Ee Namaye from the Ordinary Time Winter curriculum is a fun dancing game used in the schools of Uganda.  Sr. Jacinta, Sr. Dorothy and Fr. Avitus from Uganda (see map) shared this song with us.  Singing and dancing are important parts of school life and community life in many African countries.  The priests and sisters in Uganda run very important schools because there are many children who are orphans.  These children rely on the schools to take care of them.

 

 

READ TO ME   Sr. Jacinta, Sr. Dorothy, and Fr. Avitus also shared African prayers sung in the Catholic communities in Uganda.  Click the play button to hear them sing a missionary song.    And here is a prayer for the Blessed Mother.

 

READ TO ME   You can learn more about the Church's work in Uganda at the Apostles of Jesus website.  This is Fr. Avitus' religious order.  Or, join Children of Care, a club dedicated to helping orphans around the world. 

 

     

 

Note to parents:  Because of many similarities we are focusing on general African music south of the Sahara.  Traditional Northern African Music is more in sync with the Middle East.  Contemporary African music often features typical modern instruments or a fusion of traditional instruments from throughout Africa with modern instruments.