1. Stylistic Regions of African Music: V. Khoisan Area

2. Stylistic Regions:

3. Khoisan Area: Before Portuguese sailors landed in this southern region of Africa in the late fifteenth century, little was known about the Khoisan Area. In fact, European settlers in its extreme southwestern corner did not encounter the Bantu-speaking tribesmen until 1702 in an area west of Port Elizabeth. Although most of this area (which includes the Kalahari Desert) is comprised of arid regions with sparse populations, many South African historians claim that the areas inhabited by indigenous tribes have the most favorable natural conditions. Bushmen may be the oldest inhabitants of the African continent, but their prehistory is obscure. Their anatomy, language, and culture are unique among indigenous African peoples. The characteristic clicks gurgles and guttural sounds of their language have influenced the Bantu and other tribes in the Khoisan area.   

4. Bushmen are divided into three main tribes: the Kaikoum, the Auen and the !Kung. The Auen live in the southern Kalahari; a few Kaikoum live in eastern Ovamboland (South-West Africa); and the largest group, the !Kung, live in the north, west, and central Kalahari. The !Kung make music on all occasions all day long. The sanza, the most common instrument, is used to accompany dancing and singing and is played only by men. The one-stringed fiddle, however, is played by both sexes. The fiddle is made from bamboo with animal sinew for the vibrating string, and a dried calabash, ostrich egg shell, or the mouth provides the resonating chamber. Though the music of the Bushmen has not been studied extensively by musicologists, they have a reputation as being Southern Africa’s most proficient musicians.    Musical bows such as this one are commonly found in South Africa. Some have a resonating bowl attached. They resemble the Brazilian berimbau (see Chapter 2 overview). Different pitches are created by increasing or decreasing the tension on the bow.

5. These rattles originate in Zambia and South Africa and are wrapped around the ankles for dancing. Similar cocoon rattles can also found in Central America [Image courtesy of Dror Sinai/Rhythm Fusion --- http://www.rhythmfusion.com]. Ethnomusicologist Henry Jeanne demonstrates an array of African instruments at the University of Cape Town, including several instruments from South Africa, such as an mbira, panpipes, and shakers. [Photo by Fran Balshan].

6. Other traditional music can be found in all regions of Southern Africa. Much of the music in other portions of the region has assumed a more contemporary form. In Angola, in particular, freedom songs have continued to evolve since the rebellion against Portuguese rule began in March 1961. These songs are concerned with the many villages destroyed by Portuguese bombs, the inhumane living situations to which aboriginal people have been subjected, and other injustices.   