Instruments of Africa
This large, wooden, hourglass-shaped drum from West Africa is often played with the hands and is used for ceremonies and communication. Name the instrument.
Djembe
A griot is best described as which of the following: musician, historian, storyteller, or all of these? (Choose one.)
All of these
Many African drumming ensembles use a lead drummer who signals changes. What is one main job of the lead drummer?
Lead drummer signals changes, solos, and directs tempo and dynamics.
Isicathamiya is a type of vocal music that developed in which part of Africa?
South Africa
Afrobeats is a modern music style that blends African music with other styles. Name one non-African music influence commonly found in Afrobeats (for example: hip-hop, pop, or electronic dance music).
Hip-hop, R&B, pop, EDM (any one)
This stringed instrument, played by plucking and common in West Africa, often has a calabash resonator and is used by many musicians and storytellers. Name it.
Kora
Griots traditionally pass down history and stories orally. What does "orally" mean in this context?
Spoken or sung, passed by mouth rather than written down
Call-and-response is a common pattern in African drumming. Briefly describe what "call-and-response" means.
One group member plays a musical "call" phrase, others reply with a set "response" phrase.
Isicathamiya groups are known for a gentle, harmonious style and soft footwork. What influenced their style?
Church music
Name one musical element (rhythmic or melodic) that helps make Afrobeats songs feel danceable.
Syncopated rhythms, upbeat percussion, or strong groove (any one)
A set of tuned metal bars mounted over a resonator and played with mallets is common in many African music traditions. What is this instrument family often called in English?
Xylophone/Balaphon
Name one instrument that a West African griot commonly plays while telling stories or praising people
Kora, ngoni, balafon, or drum (any one
Name one technique drummers use to change the sound of a drum (for example: striking different parts of the drum head). Give a short description.
Strike the center for deep tone, edge for slaps or higher pitch; use fingers vs. palm to change timbre.
Name one characteristic of Isicathamiya singing (for example: close harmonies, call-and-response, soft dynamics).
Close harmonies (also soft dynamics, call-and-response)
Many Afrobeats songs feature producers who create the instrumental track. What is one role of a music producer in Afrobeats?
Producer builds the beat/instrumental, arranges the track, and helps shape the song's sound.
Griots often serve multiple roles in their communities. List two roles (other than storyteller) that a griot might perform
Historian, praise singer, advisor, genealogist, or musician
Some ensembles use a bell to keep steady time while other drums play interlocking parts. Why is a steady bell pattern important in these groups?
The bell provides a rhythmic reference so all players stay together and fit their parts around the pulse.
Isicathamiya choirs often compete in organized contests. What is one reason these contests are important for singers and communities?
Contests build community pride, encourage musical excellence, and keep the tradition alive.
Describe how Afrobeats artists often mix traditional instruments or rhythms with modern technology in their songs. Give one concrete example idea (one sentence).
Example: layering a traditional drum pattern (e.g., talking drum rhythm) with electronic synths and drum machines to create a modern dance track.
Name two types of African rattles or shakers used to add texture to rhythms, and briefly describe one way they are used in ensemble playing. (Answer requires two names and one short use description.)
Examples: shekere, rattle, maracas, hosho, calabash shaker. Use: provide steady subdivision, accent, or call‑and‑response texture
Explain why griot storytelling is important for preserving history and give one example of the kind of information a griot might preserve.
Griots preserve family histories, laws, songs, and community memories; example: lineage of a royal family or the story of a migration
Describe how polyrhythm works in African drumming and give a simple classroom activity (one or two sentences) a teacher could use to demonstrate polyrhythm with the class.
Polyrhythm: two or more different rhythms played at the same time (e.g., one group plays patterns of 3 while another plays patterns of 2). Classroom activity: split class into two groups, one claps a three-beat pattern while the other claps a two-beat pattern, repeating to hear how they fit together.
Compare Isicathamiya to a modern pop singing style: give one similarity and one difference.
Similarity: both use melody and harmony to create songs people enjoy. Difference: Isicathamiya focuses on quieter, close-harmony group singing and traditional themes, while modern pop often uses electronic production and solo-focused performance.
Explain in two or three sentences how Afrobeats has helped bring African music to global audiences, giving one specific way listeners around the world might discover Afrobeats.
Afrobeats spreads through streaming platforms, collaborations with international artists, radio, and social media dance trends; listeners discover it via playlists, viral videos, or concerts.