People listen to music for different reasons. For me it's an introspective individualistic process. I examine the artists' lyrics in hopes that their expression will help me learn more about myself and life, in general. For others, music is the notes strung together to compose an orchestra. For others, music is the strong pounding rhythmic beats to gyrate to in night clubs. Music is the universal language- it is self-expression, and words aren't necessary for validation.Like people's interpretation of music differs, musical styles differ as well. Depending on the make-up of a particular community, music reflects the beliefs and attitudes of any given set of people.
In China, music is characterized by gongs and chimes, which is reflective of their ceremonies and their ethnic culture. Africa is a continent rich in music, and may be able to put its resources to good use by exploiting the music industry and becoming a part in order to sustain themselves in the global market.
[...] Music to them is the part of their daily meal, its food for their soul. Mahlathini, a leader of the Mbaqanga movement, gained notoriety, but died a poor man, showing that in Africa there is not much correlation between riches, stardom and music, as there is in America. African dance has continued to grow and change as well, along with African music. Africans see dance as a way to teach social patterns and values. They see it as a way to help people work and mature. [...]
[...] The South African enterprising spirit brings attention to the growth of a music industry in Africa. The music industry could bring millions of dollars into impoverished Africa, in order to care for food shortages, healthcare problems, and other problems. According to Paul Collier, director of the development research department at the World Bank, the practical level, the music industry has the potential to have a big impact on economic structure precisely because these [African] economies are so small. You only need one or two successes and you've transformed the export structure of an economy.” According to the Development Grant Facility for Culture the Music Industry could stand to bring in $40 billion a year into Africa. [...]
[...] Mobutu integrated elements of traditional and modern music and dance into a new musical form known as 'l'animation politique'. This movement produced songs that would promote the national Zairian spirit and praise the work of President Mobutu on a daily basis. L'animation politique was introduced throughout Zaire. Dance and animations have also been used subversively, to make covert political gestures and statements. In Kinshasa, each morning before work began; employees would partake in morning animation sessions. The intent was to place the citizen in the right frame of mind to do correct work, and to given enough praise to Mobutu before beginning a day's work. [...]
[...] But, while we do this we must pay careful attention to the fragility of the traditional music styles, for they cannot be lost. Without these music styles, African and the world in general would not know their history, and the future would look very bleak. Africa has potential and how the western world taps into depends on the cooperation of the African nations involved. Works Cited Collier, Paul. "The Rationale." The Development Economics Research Group on International Trade (2001): 1-25. [...]
[...] It is a risky situation, because it the development of modern music styles can and more than likely will endanger traditional African musical styles. In Ghana, professor of musicology at the University of Ghana, Acura, John Collins, explains of the phenomenon of younger residents moving away from live performance styles of music towards “high technology” music. Synthesizers and other electronic equipment are replacing drummers and flute players. Collins acknowledges that even though it is easy to market the pre-recorded tracks within Africa, it may be very difficult to export. [...]
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