South African Music

    To begin, I would like to say that I chose to focus this blog specifically on the country Kenya. Personally, I think it’s easier to understand new material of different concepts when the origin is the same. First off I would like to think about the traditional instruments of Kenya. 

    Getting off we have the Ngoma (drums) that are specifically used and traditional dances in an over-the-top fashion. Similarly, these drums are not one-size-fits-all. They have drums that are in different shapes and sizes that are used for different types of dances. I also think it’s interesting how the drums are used in a powerful way and traditional dances. This kind of reminds me of the Native Americans. 

    This next point I found quite interesting. I found this song bowing down- Kenyan Gospel Music by Judy Karanja, who is the type of new gospel singer. New gospel from what I understand or translated hymns or short local songs that are now common within the church. I also thought what Judy and her background singers were wearing was also very interesting. However, I could only find information that was more of a modesty standpoint. Looking further into the song I have seemed to recognize that the beat and rhythm tend to be very slow. Similarly, I feel as though this has more of a conjunct Melody, because of how she keeps her notes closer together rather than jumping from one note to another.

    Finally, I would like to talk about how Kenyan women dress. Unlike our culture in the US, The Kenyan’s tend to dress more conservatively. Specifically, I would like to focus on the traditional canyon pieces which are called “kitenge”. Kitenge is a cotton fabric that is bright, colorful, and heavily embroidered. this garment is worn often in their ordinary life, for ceremonies, or even non-official events. Specifically, I think that it’s really interesting that they dye these garments by tie-dying. Personally, I have never thought of any other culture tie-dying. I suppose I related this back to my childhood, not from where the actual technique came from. 

http://nationalclothing.org/africa/20-kenya/15-national-dress-of-kenya-–-easy,-bright-and-heavily-decorated-clothing.html