Although the continent of Africa is home to many different cultures, most have this in common -- music is an integral part of everyday life. In Africa, lives are permeated with music. Music has a function in society beyond simple entertainment -- songs are written to entertain, but also to teach, encourage, mourn, heal. Music serves a social function, helping to strengthen the circle of society.

Although Africa south of the Sahara desert contains a variety of nations and cultures, African music has some common traits. Try to hear how these characteristics are used in THE LION KING

Repetition
Repeated pattern of sound and rhythm.

Improvisation
Because music is an integral part of African life, it is often spontaneous, made up on the spot. Improvisation, spontaneous creation of music and words, is considered a highly regarded skill.

Polyphony
Two or more melody lines played simultaneously, working together into a greater whole.

Polyrhythms
Two or more rhythm patterns playing at the same time.

Cross-rhythm
The accents of a song coming just after the accents of an accompanying rhythmic instrument or other rhythmic device, such as hand-clapping or foot-stamping. Also called syncopation, in a simplified form.

Call and Response
A choral form in which a leader sings, or speaks, a line, which is echoed, and perhaps expanded upon, by the larger group. Call and response can also work between two groups