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Although traditional African music and other African traditional artistic practices (performing arts) are often “functional”, which in this context means that these artistic practices are often attached to certain traditional functions in the African society and not just for ordinary recreation, African music can also be independently recreational. In Africa, it is very rare to come across music or dance that is not attached to a societal function. Most performances, both music, and dance will often time happen in shrines (spiritual function), coronation ceremonies, naming ceremonies, funerals, farms (before planting seasons) and other important functions in the society. But in other parts of the world, you may often come across musical and artistic performances that happen independently without relying on a function in the society. Musicians may gather and jam for just the purpose of entertainment in other world cultures but this is very much unlikely in the traditional African setting. Music and dance are not only used to entertain but to communicate with members of the community, mourn deceased people, heal the sick and communicate with spiritual beings. It is in this context that I am going to try to talk about African recreational music during the pre-colonial, postcolonial and colonial era.

Due to the upsurge in political, social, economic, technological, cultural and development world over, terms like globalization and deregulation have become very popular. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines globalization as the act of making (something) cover, involve or affect the entire world. This means that globalization is characterized by an increase in the flow of trade, capital, ideas and goods and services which leads to the coming together of different economies and societies. The whole concept of globalization has been received with mixed feelings. Some are in total support while others are against, those in support are of the opinion that it has enriched the world culturally through its spread and integrating of different cultures. Different types of music, musical instruments, dance, and costumes are being spread around the world because of globalization. For example, in the northern part of my country Nigeria, it is very common to come across artistic practices which are typical to the Arabic societies.

People in remote areas now have access to music of other world cultures through the radio and television. New and foreign sounds are penetrating different societies through the mass media and musicians are embracing these new sounds and integrating them into their own original sounds because of technology and globalization.

African folk songs played during moonlight plays

Recreational music in the pre-colonial period

Recreational music is basically music enjoyed during leisure. This kind of music may be in the form of folktales that happens during moonlight plays. It can also come in the form of game songs for kids and dance music for the grown-ups. In traditional Nigerian society, leisure times were characterized by varieties of music (vocal and instrumental). Folktales and folk songs served as mediums through which idioms and proverbs are learned. In this period, music is seen as life itself because it was believed that it is through music that the African reaches out into the center of excellence. It was not uncommon to see elders gather or call on the younger ones after the day’s job for a musical performance, which was for the sole purpose of entertainment. Recreational music involved every member of the community irrespective of whatever differences. It was through this medium that musical awareness and the concept of rhythm appreciation got inculcated into individuals. Through recreational music, people learned about their cultures, heritages, norms, and values of life and also through cultural practices this, the seed of musical creativity was functionally applied on individuals and members of the society. During this period, the enjoyment of recreational music was not limited to the common man but extended to the courts or palaces of kings and their households. There were court magicians who performed music and dances for the royalties.

Colonial and postcolonial period

When the Europeans stepped their feet on the shores of Nigeria in the 19th century with Christianity and other cultural practices, indigenous music was somewhat discouraged. Folk songs were labeled as paganistic by the European missionaries and were therefore devalued. In its place, regimental (military) bands and urban hybridized musical forms came up. Musicians also adopted the concept of capitalism and with that mindset, music was now seen as a private property of the individual composer and no more a community property. This mindset opposes the mindset of the pre-colonial period. This marked a drastic change in African approach to African music. Because of this external influence, musical genres like High life, Fuji, Apala, and, Juju emerged and dominated the village squares and nightclubs.

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Before I round up I will also love to introduce you to some very amazing contemporary African tunes which you would love. These musicians fall into the post-colonial era of musicians. First I will introduce you to the sounds of Fatoumata Diawara, a Malian singer with an outstanding and unique blend of sounds.

And also another Malian musician, Ali Toure

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"Music is the greatest communication in the world. Even if people don't understand the language that you're singing in, they still know good music when they hear it"

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