I have no doubt this little girl could put many of us to shame or perhaps I should just include myself.  This video always makes me smile.  For those of you who are wondering, the song is by Jessy Matad’or  a musician from the Democratic Republic of Congo and is entitled Decale Gwanda.  It’s available for download on itunes.

I think African music has for many years, been overlooked by the international stage, each region has it’s own unique sound and culture. With music and dance  still remaining an intrinsic part of African life, serving both utilitarian and aesthetic functions, we still have much to explore. Early sources on African music are largely based on western theoretical frameworks, and show a complete bias, as African music was traditionally  passed down from generation to generation orally.

It was the transatlantic slave trade that exposed other nations to African music. The African diaspora were forced to adapt to western ideals, with little or no access to instruments their voices became their only saviour allowing them to preserve some of their African heritage. This plight created the basis for contemporary music as the rhythms and sounds of African music were modified. Without the influence of African music we may never have experienced the joys of Jazz, the Blues, Gospel, and indeed Hip Hop. Ironically things have gone full circle as modern African music is influenced by American pop culture.

You can explore African and world music by visiting some of the  following websites Mondomix, World Music Store ,  World Music National Geographic,  NPR, African Hip Hop ,Wayango.

BBC 1xtra also produces a radio show called Destination Africa which plays the latest underground African sounds.

Enjoy listening to something different!!