Difference between revisions of "Language/Xhosa/Culture/Traditional-Music-and-Instruments"
m (Quick edit) |
m (Quick edit) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
<span pgnav> | |||
{| class="wikitable pg_template_nav" | |||
|[[Language/Xhosa/Vocabulary/Arts-and-Entertainment|◀️ Arts and Entertainment — Previous Lesson]] | |||
|[[Language/Xhosa/Culture/Xhosa-Literature-and-Poetry|Next Lesson — Xhosa Literature and Poetry ▶️]] | |||
|} | |||
</span> | |||
{{Xhosa-Page-Top}} | {{Xhosa-Page-Top}} | ||
| Line 89: | Line 96: | ||
{{Xhosa-Page-Bottom}} | {{Xhosa-Page-Bottom}} | ||
<span pgnav> | |||
{| class="wikitable pg_template_nav" | |||
|[[Language/Xhosa/Vocabulary/Arts-and-Entertainment|◀️ Arts and Entertainment — Previous Lesson]] | |||
|[[Language/Xhosa/Culture/Xhosa-Literature-and-Poetry|Next Lesson — Xhosa Literature and Poetry ▶️]] | |||
|} | |||
</span> | |||
Revision as of 22:42, 2 April 2023
| ◀️ Arts and Entertainment — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Xhosa Literature and Poetry ▶️ |
Traditional Music and Instruments in Xhosa Culture
Xhosa culture is a rich and diverse one. Music and dance are an integral part of Xhosa life and play an important role in traditional ceremonies and rituals. Xhosa music is characterised by a variety of instruments, many of which are unique to the Xhosa people.
Background
The Xhosa people are a Bantu ethnic group native to South Africa, spread over two provinces, Eastern Cape and Western Cape. For centuries, music has played an important role in Xhosa culture, and the music played at ceremonies and rituals serve to express the thoughts, feelings, and customs of the people. Xhosa music was traditionally used for celebration, socialising, and religious ceremonies.
Types of songs in Xhosa Music
In Xhosa culture, there are different types of songs, and each type of song has its own purpose. Below, some of the main types of songs are mentioned:
Isicathamiya
Isicathamiya in Xhosa means "to walk on tiptoes". This type of song is slow and harmonious but typically sung without musical instruments. The harmony in Isicathamiya is achieved through the use of vocal or physical percussion techniques, where performers, using their voices or hands, create a beat for the music.
Umrhubhe
Umrhubhe is a type of traditional Xhosa music that is played on a reed flute, which is also known as umrhubhe. The reed is hollowed out and makes a distinctive, high-pitched sound.
Isovolo
Isovolo songs are usually sung by women and are associated with ululating or trilling sounds. These songs are typically sung during ceremonies and are used to celebrate the dignity and independence of Xhosa women.
Ingoma
Ingoma in Xhosa means "drum". This type of Xhosa music is performed with traditional instruments such as drums, rattles, and horns. These songs are typically performed at festivals, events, and cultural shows.
Xhosa Instruments
Traditional Xhosa music is played on a variety of instruments, many of which are unique to the Xhosa people. These instruments serve to provide rhythm, melody, and harmony in Xhosa music. Below are some of the traditional Xhosa instruments:
Uhadi
The uhadi is a traditional bow instrument made from the stem of a pumpkin or a gourd. It has one string and is played with a bow made from horsehair. The uhadi is an essential instrument in Xhosa music and is used to provide a melodic accompaniment to songs.
Umrhubhe
As mentioned earlier, umrhubhe is a reed flute that is unique to Xhosa music. It is typically made from a reed called 'umhube', with the mouthpiece being carved out of the harder 'umhlahlane' reed. Due to the reed's unique shape, the umrhubhe can produce a sound that is distinct from other flutes.
Indlamu drums
Indlamu drums are used in traditional Xhosa dance and music. The drums are typically large and made from animal skins, which are stretched over a wooden frame. They are played using sticks, and the musician can produce a variety of sounds by hitting different parts of the drum.
Isitolotolo
The isitolotolo is a traditional mouthpiece instrument, primarily played by Xhosa women. It is made using a makhweyana tree branch that is excavated and then joined to a horn made from a cow or an ox. The isitolotolo is used to create a high-pitched, piercing sound that is characteristic of Xhosa music.
Imbomu
The imbomu is a traditional rattle that is used in Xhosa music. It is made by filling a hollowed-out gourd with beads or seeds, and then sealing the hole with a piece of leather or animal skin. The rattle is shaken in time with the music, to provide rhythm to the song.
Conclusion
Xhosa music is an important part of Xhosa culture and plays an integral role in traditional ceremonies and rituals. The use of melodic and percussion instruments in Xhosa music helps to create an atmosphere of celebration, socialising, and expression of customs and traditions. The unique Xhosa instruments used in traditional Xhosa music are crucial in creating the distinct sounds of Xhosa music, and it is the use of these instruments that set Xhosa music apart from other forms of African music.
Other Lessons
Sources
| ◀️ Arts and Entertainment — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Xhosa Literature and Poetry ▶️ |