Africa
and music are integrally linked, through time and throughout the
continent, in our perceptions of Africa. From birth until death, music
complements African life. Musicians and their instruments were
depicted in the pharaohs’ tombs of ancient Egypt. Today, they can be
heard in modern nightclubs. They can set the character of a masquerade
performance, rousing the spirits to appear. They can sound the rhythms
for dancers. The sound of the historian’s chant, the Islamic call to
prayer and the hunter’s whistle literally add other notes. Some
performances are solos; some are part of an ensemble. Some musicians
are professional; some are amateurs. The musical instruments are just
as varied—in size, materials and degree of ornamentation.