General African Musical Characteristics
This form defines a time unit and major subdivision of a piece. Some people may want it to go on forever!
What is cyclical form?
To Westerners, this may seem demonic, but the Shona welcome this purpose of the bira ceremony with open arms and love.
What is spirit possession?
They say you do this while you work, but men can do this through their teeth! And I struggle doing it normally...
What is whistling?
These people who live near Harare, Zimbabwe's capital, play the mbira.
Who are The Shona?
These three instruments are used for ceremonies outside of the home. In fact, one of these is played for fun.
What are drums, xylophones, and the karimba?
African musicians try to keep a level head, stay in control, and exactitude when it comes to music and dance performance.
What is the "Aesthetic of the Cool?"
These supernatural visitors use mediums to communicate with the living. All people at the bira ceremony have a connection to this spirit.
Who is a common ancestor?
This type of singing contains yodeling as well as vocables.
What is the huro style?
These rattles are often played alongside the mbira in performances.
What are hosho?
This instrument can be played by itself, without any other parts!
What is the karimba?
Achieved in three different ways: buzzy/fuzzy timbres, intonation variance (overtones), and overlapping vocal and instruments.
What is dense sound?
While there are several rules to a bira ceremony, this is a must. After all, you'd want to hear what you loved too, right?
What is play the ancestor's favorite mbira songs?
Women use this vocal technique, which are high pitched sounds denoting happiness and excitement.
What is ululating, or ululate?
While playing the mbira is considered highly specialized, clapping, singing, and playing the hosho are considered this level of specialization.
What is low level?
While songs for the mbira typically have four, distinct phrases, karimba songs have only this many.
What are two phrases?
What is interlocking?
Non-spirit related activities take place where in relation to the home?
What is outside?
This singing style uses poetry and song texts. The song "Chemutengure" is a great example of this!
What is the kudeketera style?
The Shona use this word to describe tuning the mbira.
What is chuning?
This secular drumming tradition is a dance to celebrate the harvest.
What is the mbakumba?
Preservation tools for African genealogies and political messages. Hey, we have these, too!
What are words and song texts?
New songs for bira ceremonies come from the ancestors. While it's recent that people are taking credit for these songs, traditionally, all the composers are this.
What is anonymous/unknown?
This vocal style is designed to outline certain melodies. One might say the pitch is in the middle of the range.
What is the mahon'era style?
This man is one of three master mbira players we discussed. His visit is coming up soon!
Who is Musekiwa Chingodza?
The secular song "Chemutengure" translates to this phrase.