The influence of African music and musicians on music education and music in America could certainly be explored more than it probably is in music classrooms. While some music programs incorporate African drumming into the music curriculum there is a lot more to the music of Africa and the influence it has had on contemporary music.
There is probably less Afro-pop heard in classrooms than African drumming. Musicians such as Baaba Maal, Angilique Kidjo , and Salif Keita are just a few of the many who have combined traditional and popular elements of African music with elements of music from other parts of the world. A recent band review at the Practice Room touches a little on the issue of race and music while giving some information on an Afro-pop group from South Africa called Freshly Ground. Other artists such as Femi Kuti & New York City based Antibalas continue the tradition of the late great Nigerian musician Fela Kuti while groups such as the fairly new and popular Toubab Krewe incorporate elements of African music as well as African instruments in their music.
Speaking about music and Africa in the classroom can also lead into a discussion of the role music played in defeating Apartheid in South Africa as well as the major influence African and African American music traditions have had on music in America.
To get a start with addressing music from Africa in the music program consider taking a look at the books [affiliate links]:
- Music in West Africa: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture – Ruth M. Stone
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Music in East Africa: Experiencing Music, Expressing Culture – Gregory Barz
Both books are from the highly respected Global Music Series, which includes information on the music and culturally relevant strategies for addressing this music in music classes and ensembles.