Across Africa, people use instruments for more than entertainment. Horns made from animal tusks help herd cattle. Drumming was a way to communicate with other villages.

The continent of Africa is made up of many diverse countries. Each country has its own musical traditions. In Johannesburg, I visited the Drum Cafe to learn about a few African instruments. I most enjoyed learning to play the djembe, a type of drum from West Africa. To play the djembe, I slapped and tapped my bare hands on the animal-skin head of the drum.

For centuries, communities in Africa would gather in a circle and create rhythms together. A drum circle is a way to connect people in the community. I joined in a circle with six musicians and in no time, we created a powerful beat. It was so much fun, I bought a djembe to practice on at home!

Like African music, African dance tells stories, shares emotions, and creates connections.

In Johannesburg, I was invited to a professional dance company’s rehearsal. The dancers are trained in many different styles: jazz, ballet, hip-hop, and traditional African dances. These dances mix together to create a style called Afro Fusion.

The gumboot dancing was my favorite. Gumboot dancing started in gold mines in southern Africa during the early 19th century. Working in dark conditions, mine workers were forbidden to speak on the job. So, they created a way to communicate using their bodies as instruments. By stomping their feet and slapping their rubber gumboots, they could share messages.

Next: The history of townships.

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