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




Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 22, 2021 at 9:55 AM

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  2. AnonymousMarch 22, 2021 at 9:56 AM

    Hi Dallas! I agree that the Kenyan Gospel song has a conjunct melody. I also noticed that this song has an upbeat tempo and chordophones (guitar) and electrophones (keyboard) are some of the accompanists. I never knew that the dresses worn by Kenyan women were dyed. That is an amazing talent.

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  3. Emilee Catherine JohnsonMarch 22, 2021 at 5:40 PM

    Hey! I like how you decided to focus on specific country. It is a little easier to understand and learn when the topic is not so broad. When I read and watched about the drums I was going to say the same thing you did! They definitely remind me of Native Americans and their drums.

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  4. Quiana SuberMarch 22, 2021 at 6:11 PM

    Hey Dallas! Yeah I never thought about where tie-dying came from or at least the technique. I think a lot of ideas come from other countries due to the mass expansion and trade you know? I love how Judy Karanji and her background singer really get in sync with their motions while performing. It really brings the performance together.

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  5. Megan StribbleMarch 24, 2021 at 4:36 PM

    I liked the video on the drums and the singing video, I love the beat. The lead singer seems to really be passionate about the song she's performing. The outfits at the end of your blog were so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  6. adfaulkenberry001March 28, 2021 at 12:35 PM

    Thanks for sharing South Africa with me, specifically Kenya. It's very interesting how the drums are different sizes. I also enjoyed the New Gospel. Focusing on a specific country was a great idea and you taught me a lot of new things. Thanks again and have a great rest of your week.

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