Genres of African Music

Kora Music is a genre of African music that originated in the West African country of Mali. It is characterized by the use of the kora, a 21-stringed instrument that is played by plucking the strings with the fingers.

Gnawa Music is a genre of African music that is characterized by its use of call-and-response vocals and polyrhythms. It originated in Morocco and is often associated with spiritual rituals and ceremonies.

Afrobeat is a genre of African music that is characterized by its use of electric guitars and synthesizers. It originated in Nigeria in the 1960s and is often associated with the musician Fela Kuti.

Kuduro is a genre of African music that is characterized by its use of fast-paced rhythms and dance moves. It originated in Angola in the 1980s and is often associated with the musician Tony Amado.

Mbira Music is a genre of African music that is characterized by its use of traditional instruments and vocal harmonies. It originated in Zimbabwe and is often associated with the musician Thomas Mapfumo.

Isicathamiya is a genre of African music that is characterized by its use of call-and-response vocals and improvised lyrics. It originated in South Africa and is often associated with the group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Rai Music is a genre of African music that is characterized by its use of polyrhythms and complex melodies. It originated in Algeria in the 1920s and is often associated with the musician Cheb Khaled.

Amapiano is a genre of African music that is characterized by its use of electronic beats and dance music. It originated in South Africa in the 2010s and is often associated with the musician Kabza De Small.

Juju Music is a genre of African music that is characterized by its use of traditional instruments and spiritual lyrics. It originated in Nigeria in the 1920s and is often associated with the musician King Sunny Adé.

Kizomba is a genre of African music that is characterized by its use of fast-paced rhythms and dance moves. It originated in Angola in the 1980s and is often associated with the musician Bonga.

Bikutsi is a genre of African music that is characterized by its use of call-and-response vocals and polyrhythms. It originated in Cameroon in the 1940s and is often associated with the musician Manu Dibango.

Makossa is a genre of African music that is characterized by its use of electric guitars and synthesizers. It originated in Cameroon in the 1970s and is often associated with the musician Manu Dibango.

Mbira Music is a genre of African music that is characterized by its use of traditional instruments and vocal harmonies. It originated in Zimbabwe and is often associated with the musician Thomas Mapfumo.

Isicathamiya is a genre of African music that is characterized by its use of call-and-response vocals and improvised lyrics. It originated in South Africa and is often associated with the group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

Rai Music is a genre of African music that is characterized by its use of polyrhythms and complex melodies. It originated in Algeria in the 1920s and is often associated with the musician Cheb Khaled.