Differentiating Prepositions of Garhwali folk songs and African Folk Songs
Bhishma Kukreti
Exclusivity of Garhwali folk songs
Taxonomy by Abodh Bandhu Bahuguna (1954): Analysis of Garhwali folk songs started by Abodh Bandhu Bahuguna: Dhunyal (1954) is first work of analyzing and classifying the Garhwali Folk Song . Abodh Bandhu Bahuguna classified Garhwali FolkSongs on the following types:
1- Mangal (auspicious songs)
2-Kula char (Introducing and description of family tree)
3-Panwada (praising achievers)
4-Khuded (sad song)
5-Jagar (Awakening songs sung in Ghadela)
6-Tantra Mantra
7-Hori (Humrous and sung at Holi time)
8-Chakhulya (Personification of animals)
9-Naya Geet (New)
The main flaw on this classification is that it is not analyzed on scientific basis but on conventional basis .Classification of FolkSongs by Dr Govind Chatak: Dr Shivanand Nautiyal appreciated the initiation of Dr Govind Chatak for his collection ,classification and popularizing Garhwal Folk Songs among Garhwalis and non-Garhwali literate intellectuals and regional language experts. Dr Nautiyal provided the reference of classification of Garhwali folk Songs by Dr Govind Chatak as :
1-Puja geet or songs of praying deities and goddesses
2-Mangal or auspicious songs
3-prem, Rup, Ras or love songs
4-Chhpati
5-Laman
6-Vasanti
7-Bajuband
8-Dampatya jeewan or songs related to family life
9-Khuded geet or sad songs
10-Chhuda
11-Samajik
12-Vividh or others
Dr Govind Chatak divides poetic folklore (Lok Gathayen) into:
1-Jagar Vartayen or religious folk lore
2-Panwade or chivalry folk lore
3-chaiti or love folk loreClassification by Dr Mohan Babulakar: Dr Babular (1967) classified Garhwal Folk Song as below in his famous boo ‘ Garhwali Lok Sahitya ka Vivechanatmak Adhyayan’ :
1-Sanskaron ke geet
2-Devi Devta stuti , Tyoharon ke Geet
3-Khuded geet
4-Ritu (season) and Virah (pain of separation)
5-samuhik Gey geet (group or community songs)
6-Tantra Mantra Geet
7-Laghu geet (short songs)
8-jatiyon ke geet (songs created and sung by specific class)Classification by Dr Hari Datt Bhatt ‘Shalilesh: In his book ‘GarhwaliBhasa aur uska Sahitya’ , (1964)D Bhatt bifurcated the folk songs of Garhwal into following categories:
1-Mangal: k-Awhahan Geet. Kh-Puja geet, G-Vivah Geet, H-Loriyan (very rare),
2-Jhumailo: (sad and Love songs): K-Jhumailo, Kh-Chhopati, G-Laman
3-Thadya ya Vasanti geet 1- Vasnti 2-Hori
4-Bajuband (Rhymical dialogues)
5-Chaufala ( Achieving right objectives, ambitions, economical benefits and final solutions)
6-Khded geet
7-Kulachar
8-Chaumasa (Songs of rainy season)
9-Baramasa (songs for every season)
10-par Updeshatmak (Inspirational)
11- Samayik (Songs of contemporary subject or happenings by Badis)
12-Rashtriya geet (Patriotic songs)
Classification of Dance-Song (Garhwal ke nrityatmak lokgeeton ka sarvexnatmak vargeekaran) : Dr Shiva Nand Nautiyal opinioned with logical investigation that the classification of folk dance-song by Govind Chatak another profound expert is insufficient and finds that the classifications by renowned experts of Indian folk songs and dances as Projesh benerji, D Samar, Shyam Parmar , laxmi Narayan Garg do not fit with Garhwali folk dance-songs.
Nautiyal provides opinion that the following classification of Mohan Babulkar is comprehensive but strongly opposes the certain interpretation of Mohan Babulkar about Narsingh, nag raja, Bhairon, Bhagvati, Hntya are individualistic dance- song and not community folk dance-song.
1- Religious Garhwali dance-songs: Babulkar has opinion that only pandav dance-songs come under the category of ReligiousGarhwali folk Dance-Songs and under this category, arjun, Bhima, Ydhisther, Nakul, Shadev, Kunti draupadi dance-songscould be included
2-Community Folk Dance-Songs by professional class: Bbabulkar classifies this class into Badi-Badan and Lang dances-songs
3-Non Religious Folk Dance-Songs: According to Babulkar, there are two types of dance-songs --Thadya and Chaufula.
Burundi Folk Songs
There are three major ethnic groups in Burundi –Bantus, Tutsis and Twa. Burundi ha s rich tradition of of folk songs. There is no difference between poem and song in the region. The themes of folk songs are epic stories, mythological stories, history, dynasty, family heros, cattle, travel and other work subjects . Rwanda and Burundi have common language and culture, Samaadri is popular hero of Burundi and Rwanda who was revolutionary and could make fun of rich could insult the cattle wealthy person.
Cattle herders do contest for creating and singing the songs of accomplishments. There are number of epic poems related to cattle.
Reviewing Garhwali (Indian) folk songs from cattle point of view, iIn Garhwali language too, there are many folk songs wherein cattle are referred. The caw in many religious songs is worshipped in Garhwali (India) songs.
Folk Songs of Rwanda
Except local heroes or stories and dominancy of European nations, the culture and language of Rwanda is similar in many ways. One of the most popular music of Rwanda is Ikinimba . The music has many songs of heroes and legends of Rwanda. The songs range from agriculture related songs, children song, family songs, heroic songs and humorous songs cum dramas.
Folk Songs of Comoros
Comoros is a groups of islands in Indian ocean . The music is influenced by other African countries and Arab, Malaysian ethnic group. The folk music are also similar to other countries with French influence too. The Zanzibar origin - Tarab is most popular type of folk songs in Comoros
Folk Songs of Djibouti
There are two ethnic groups in Djibouti Afar and Somalis. The Afar music and songs are similar to Ethiopia influenced by Arab and Somali music is influenced by Sufism. The traditional songs are related to work, war, wedding, love and boasting.
Folk Songs of Eretria
The Eritrean music has unique rhythm which, separates its music from rest of Africa. Eretria got independence from Ethiopia in 1991 . Therefore, the music is similar to Ethiopia and other neighboring countries. The major languages are Tigrinya (50 %) , Tiger (40%, Afar, Bilen, Saho, Bega, Bilen, Nara etc and thus, making the folk music of Eretria varied .
Folk songs of Ethiopia
There are Oromo, Sidamo, Somali, Afar, Nilotic, Falasha Guarage ethnic groups in Ethiopia and each group has dinstinct ethnic music, songs, subjects of songs. This situation make the country varied in terms of folk music. There are 77 individual languages 9some are in the verge of extinction) in Ethiopia and each language has its own folk music in sense of folk songs . Thus Ethiopia is having varied folk literature.
Folk Songs of Kenya
Kenya is multilingual country and there are 69 languages spoken in Kenya . The major languages are Kikuyu, Kamba, Ekegusy, Kimuru, Oluliyia, Dholuo, Kalenjin, Maasai, The major ethnic groups of Kenya are Kikuyu, Luo, Luhya, kalenjin, Kamba, Kasil, Mijikenda, Somali, Tukana , Masi and many other ethnic groups . Each group has its own traditional music and folk songs . Kenya is the most diverse rich country among African countries in terms of folk and traditional music and songs.
In his book, Folk Music of Kenya, George, W Senoga-Zake divided the Kenyan folk songs as
1-Courtship folk songs
2- Marriage/wedding folk songs
3-Lullibies
4- Birth songs
5-Circumcison and manhood songs
6- Funeral songs
6-Field work songs
7- Canoeing songs
8- Praise Folk songs
9- Songs of scorn
10 Grazing songs
11- Watering animal songs
12- Prayer Songs for raining
13-Song for stopping flood/rain
14- Songs for children
15- Season or occasional songs
16- Drinking songs
17 Various teaching/preaching songs
As far as love folk songs are concerned, Kenya is rich in love folk song literature.
The love songs are definitely different than other parts of world as in many parts of Kenya, girls are not allowed to see her husband before certain age or a specific ceremony.
Many work songs as Grazing, watering to animals, prayer songs for raining or stopping raining of Kenya have some similarity in terms of struggle and preaching with Garhwali (Indian) work songs. In Garhwali (Indian) , there is one folk poetry that cloud go away from the area
Kuyadu dada teri bhuli k kari anguli kateen ch ……kuydu dada faad faad …
( O cloud ! there is injury in your sister’s finger. Go away ! Go away )
The language or wording may differ but the emotions are same in this folk Garhwali poem and stopping rain or flood praying song of Kenya.
Folk Songs of Madagascar
Afro Malagasy, Malaya Indonesian, Merina, Betsileo, Cotiers, French, Chinese, Indian are major ethnic groups in Madagascar and making the country very rich in terms of folk music and songs. In Madagascar, there are Standard Madagascar , English, French, many types of Comolian , various types of Malgasy, etc are main languages of Madagascar to suggest about varied folk music of Madagascar Each region represents specific and exclusive traditional music and folk songs. The different community settlers at different time influenced Madagascar music and made it exclusive from other African countries
From dance point of view, the following dance-music are major dance-songs of Madagascar
1- Tromba or salamanga is religious and magical dance-song
2-Fampithan –assurance of social relationship
3-Joro a sacrifice song-dance
4-Hira gasy (varied forms)
5- Latsitanana
6-Dihi Soroka
7-Salegy
8-Kahhotri-Imitates environment
9-Jabana- imitates environment
10-Tsinjaka type dance
11- Jihi
12- tsingory
In an article, Traditional dances of Madagascar,Mireilli Rokotomalala that the lyrics in these dance aim to transmit the traditional history, culture, mythical knowledge, other knowledge .
There are many types of regional songs sung in festivals of various ethnic groups.
Folk songs of Malawi
There are Chewa, Nayanja (Malawi ), Lomwe, Tumbuka, Tonga, Ngonde, British, Indian ethnic groups in Malawi and major group is Malawi or Maravi.
English, Kochchi, Kokola, Lambya, Lomwe Malawi, Ndali, Nyakyusa-Ngonde, Nyiha Malawi, Nyika, Sena Malawi, Tonga, Tumbuka, Yao, Zulu languages are spoken in Malawi . By knowing ethnic groups and languages , the readers may easily guess about varied folk music and song found in Malawi
Folk songs of Mauritius
Mauritius is a country of immigrants . Therefore, the folk songs are also borrowed by immigrants from their native countries as there many folk songs in Bhojpuri, folk songs in Telugu and Tamil , sailor’s songs of European countries still exist in the country. Chinese brought folk songs from China. There are English, Bhojpuri, French, Mauritius Creole Rodriguan Creole languages in Mauritius ,
Saga is an exclusive music of Mauritius and the music changes time to time because new generation fuse the music Saga with new tunes.
Folk songs of Mayotte
Mayotte is a small country and French is official language of the country. Bushi, Maore , Swahli , Arabic are other main languages spoken in the country. The folk songs of the area are borrowed from natives of immigrants .
Folk Songs of Mozambique
There are Shangan, Chokwe Manyika, sena, and makua are major ethnic groups in Mozambique. Mozambique is multi languages country , Emakhua, Cisena, Xichangana, Elomwe, Echuwabo, Cishona, Xitswa, Xironga, Cinyanza, Mozambican Portuguese, Cinyungwe, Cicopi are major languages of Mozambique.
The ethnic groups and more than 47 languages in Mozambique made the country rich in folk literature. The Portuguese culture, customs, language and its folk music influenced the folk music and tunes of all languages .music tunes.
Fiona MacDonald et all in their book ‘People of Africa’ state that Mozambique has been always the land of music (songs) with soulful Fado and each ethnic group has their own unique folk music, dance, songs and other folk genres.
The following traditional dance-song provide us the glimpse of folk songs in Mozambique
1- Makway isa joyful, electrifying traditional dance-song for entertaining the guest by men
2-Xigubo is a waarior dance and song to motivate the soldiers. In Garhwali (Indian) , the RanRaut, Kaintura song-dance may be compared with Xigubo .
3- samba : is passionate , love song-dance performed by young as many love-song –dance in Garhwal (India)
4- Niquexe is mourning song –dance performed after the burial. The dance-song is also expression of plantation workers under Portuguese regime.
Folk Songs of Seychelles
Seychelles is smallest country of Africa is having African, Indian, Chinese and French ethnic groups . English, French and Seselwa Creole French are major languages of the country. The folk music of Seychelles is unique that is influenced by music of france, English contredanse , polka; French , Polynesian, Indian Mauritius ,Chinese, many African areas . saga dance and nusic is very lively and many songs are sung in the tune of Saga music.
Somalia Folk Songs
The original Somalia ethnic groups are – Samal ( Darod, Isaaq, Hawiye, Dir sub groups) and Sab (rahanweyn and Digil). There are small groups as Bantu, there are non non-indigenous groups as Italian, Indian and Arabic people in Somalia.
Somali is main language of indigenous Somali people apart from Indian, Arabic and Italian languages of other groups.
The somlai folk music is rich heritage and is centered on Somali folklores. There is similarity between Somali music and folk music of Sudan, Ethiopia, and Arabia .
The folk songs are expression of love, bravery and joy. The Somali people pay attention on legends.
Folk songs of Tanzania
There are 120 ethnic groups in Tanzania . Sukama, Nyamwezi, Chaga are major ethnic groups in Tanzania. It may be said that there are more than hundred languages spoken in Tanzania. The main contact language of Tanzania is Swahili. Bemba, Goga and haya are also spoken by large population. The ethnic groups and their languages are the gauze that Tanzania is very rich in traditional songs , dances and culture.
Folk Songs of Uganda
Bangada, Iteso, Basoga, Banyankore, Banyaruanda, Bakiga, Lango are the major ethnic groups in Uganda. There are tens of languages spoken in the country. However, Bantu, Nilotic, central Sudanic , Kuliak are four families of all languages .English is also prominent language of Uganda.
There are all types of folk songs in Uganda from the past.
From the dance point of view , the following folk songs are important types of folk songs in Uganda.
1-Bakisiimba, Nankasa is Atraditional joyful songs-dance and is sung –danced in gathering and is developed in palace of king. Both men and women sing the song
2- Ammagunju dance-song is also a song-dance developed in the palace. This song-dance is created to make happy (smile) the crowned prince child.
3- ironogo , Nalufuka Tamenaibuga, dance-song is from Basoga people. The dance-song is for friendship among community members. The sole purpose of dance-song is to unite people, therefore song wording is also motivating
4-Mwaga dance-song is ceremonial initiating dance-song of Bagisu community . The dance song is aimed to for circumcision ceremony for young boy .
5-Akembe dance-song is traditional dance-song of Iteso people and is courtship dance-song similar to Runeyege of Bantu people.
6-Bwola dance-song is court dance of Acholi people which, run for many hours and many activities are performed in palace.
7-Larakaraka courtship dance: This courtship dance-song is performed by Larakaraka people in wedding ceremony.
8- Gaze is the traditional dance-song of Lugbara region
9-Agwara is dance-song of Lugbara and Kebu people
10-Adunga song-dance is traditional dance-song of Alur people and young boys and girls perform the dance-song.
11- Runyege is traditional courtship song-dance of Bunyoro and Buntooro kingdoms. The dance-song is courtship dance-song to choose partners for marriage. This very special dance-song of the regions and is similar to Larakaraka courtship dance-song.
12-Ekitagurire : the Ekitagurire dance-song belongs to Ankola region and is to demonstrate to love for cattle. The music and sound is similar to various activities of cattle as milking sound. In old age, Badi-Badan a professional class of Garhwal used to play lyrical folk play and used to use cattle characters in the drama sequence.
13-Kimandwa dance-song is a religious song-dance to worship god Okubandwa and the spirit of Okubandwa god comes at the dance-song performances. The dance-song sequence is similar to many Ghadelas or Pando Nachan dance-song of Garhwal (India)
14-Ekigina is the court dance-song of Bakiga people .
15- Oware song-dance is ceremonial dance-song of Samya –Bugwe region.
Folk Songs of Zambia
There are more than 90 ethnic groups in Zambia. The main ethnic groups are Bemba, Tonga, lLunda , Nyanja, Mambwe, Lozi. There are also European, Indian and other Asian immigrants in Zambia too.
There are more than 80 living languages spoken in Zambia. The major languages are Bemba, Kaonde, Lozi, Lunda, Luvale, Nyanja, Tonga and English.
Each ethnic group and language has its own various types of folk songs, music and traditional dances. The purpose of folk songs was to teach, to preach, to heal, to pray, to call spirit, to communicate expression, songs of various ceremonies, and for enjoyment. As found in all African traditional music, song in Zambia too ‘Call and Response ‘ is main characteristic of folk song and music.
Folk Songs of Angola
Beside mestico , and other ethnic groups , Obimbundu, Kimbundu, Bakongo are major ethnic groups ( 75 % of population) are major ethnic groups of Angola.
Portguese, Bantu language and its various dialects , Khoisan, Umbundu, Kimbundu, Bakongo, Kikongo, are major languages of Angola.
Semba, Kizomba, Kuduro, are major types of folk music style . practically all ethnic groups 9more than 60 major and smaller groups) cherish their folk music, folk songs and folk dances and thus, making Angola rich in varied folk music, songs and dances. Practically in every event-child birt, religious ceremonies, human related events, marriages, engagements, festivals, grieving occasions,; , there is music, song and dance in Angolan life. If there is music and song, then there is dance in Angola. The individual characteristics of each ethnic group reflect in each folk song of each ethnic group. Therefore, to classify the Angolan folk songs , it requires to study the folk songs of each ethnic group .
Folk Songs of Cameroon
There are 250 ethnic groups in Cameroon . Cameroon highlanders, (Bamilike, Bamoun) , Bassa, Douala, Ewondo, Bulu, Fang, Maka, Bakas, Fulani , Kirdi are major ethnic groups in Cameroon. There are more than 230 languages spoken in Cameroon.
Akoose,Wandela, Arabic, Vute, Shuwa,Babanki, Gidar, Tibea, Gbaya,Fulfulde, Suga,gie,Giziga,Gyele,Kako,Isu,Koonzime,Mundang,Ngamambo, Vengo are major languages out of 250 languages spoken in Cameroon.
The above information is sufficient to suggest the varied characteristics of folk music, folk songs and traditional dances of Cameroon.
The culture and customs of Cameroon is also varied due to so many ethnic groups and it implies tha you can not characterize the folk music or songs for whole of Cameroon in one line. Each group has specific folk songs, music and dance .
For study purpose the music is divided into two major parts
1- Ekang Phase : when the imagery, mythology, lends is discussed
2- Bikutsi phase : when the real life issues are discussed.
There are 250 types of dances in the country . Hence, depending upon the custom, event, structure of the ethnic group , there are more than 250 types of folk songs .and there may be tens of folk song one one type of song style.
Folk Songs of Chad
The maor ethnic groups in Chad are - Bagara Buduma, Hadda, , Fur, kanembu, Tupun, Kim , Lisi, Bilala, , Kuka , Maussei , masalit, Masalit, Sara ethnic group , Teda, Toubu, Massa, Daza,
The main languages spoken in Chad are the languages of Niger Congo Languages, Nilo=Saharan languages, and thus comprising more than fifty languages.
The folk music and dance and songs are depending upon the folk styles of each ethnic group and the speed of modernization of the area.
Due to diverse in ethnic groups, languages, there is unique traditional music, song, dances in Chad.
Folk Songs of Congo (two countries)
The major four ethnic groups of Congo – Teke, Kongo, Sangha, and M’Bochi comprises of more than 40 sub ethnic groups in Congo.
Munukutuba, Kongo, Lingala Teke, Mbosi are major languages of Congo. There are more than 60 other languages spoken in Congo . French is official language of Congo.
Congo music has two genre Soukous and Congo music
Folk Songs of Equatorial Guinea
The largest ethnic group in E Guinea is Fang . Other ethnic groups are Riomunians, Bubi or Biokao, Fernadinos , Bisio, Bujeba, NDowe, and small European communities. Spainish is official language of the country, Bantu languages –Bubi, Ihni are other languages spoken in African Guinea.
Music and dance is an integral part of people of Equatorial Guinea. The folk songs and dances are related to religious beliefs, , rituals, rites, individual or community gatherings , animlas , working activities etc.
Folk Songs of Gabon
Fang, Haut Ogoouue , Moyen Ogooue , Nguinie, Misogho, Nyanga are ethnic groups in Gabon , French is official language of the country. Fang (33 % ) , and more than 40 other languages are spoken in the country. Gabon is the centre of spirituality in Africa as Tibet in Asia. The sacred music is exclusivity of Gabon.
The dance-song are related to welfare of society, individual development, rites, worship of ancestors, spirituality, protecting society from evil spirits and calling favorable spirits. domestic animals.
Folk Songs of Algeria
Berbers, Arabs are major ethnic groups and Jewish (now fled from country) and European are minor ethnic groups in Algeria.
Major languages of Algeria are Arabic and Berber . The other languages as various dialects of Berber , dialects of Beni and other dialects are also spoken in the country.
Algerian music is virtually synonyms with Rai. The Al Andalus style is dominant music style of Algeria. Shaabi, Arabo Andalus, Bidouin, Kabyle types of music is popular music of Algeria. The folk songs, dances of Algeria tally with the folk dances, music, folk songs of its neighboring countries as Egypt, Libya. Yemen.
Folkloric dance and music is very popular in Algeria and other countries. Many dances and songs are fusion of Spanish style and Andalusia styles.
Folk Songs of Egypt
Egyptians and Arabic are major ethnic groups in Egypt. Arabic language is spoken by larger sections of Egyptians.
Egypt is rich in tradition, art, literature and music from the beginning of modern human civilization.
Egypt has long history in folk music and dance. Egyptian folk songs specially love folk songs were parallel to Oriental folk songs .Historians discovered three collections of Folk Love Songs of 1200BC . The folk songs consist of legends, tales and love story . Historian appreciate the style of many songs wherein there is praise of a beautiful woman .as
“ The sweet one , sweet in love , the sweet one, sweet in love in presence of King, the sweet one, sweet in love before all men, the beloved before all women, the king’s daughter who is sweet in love; ….”
(Ref : A Weidemann, Popular Literature of Ancient Egypt) , The style of Egypt love songs developed further aesthetically advance in the Ethiopian era. There is philosophy of life in those folk songs of that time in Egypt. There is justification of suicide in a poem. There are discussion of many god, goddesses in those texts.
From today’s point of view the following music style exist in Egypt :
1-Bedouins
2-Saiyidis
3-Nubian
4-Shaabi
5-Coptic
6-Saidi
7-Nubian
Rituals, Sufism dominate over the songs .There are work songs, agriculture, king palace , children related folk songs in Egypt.
Folk Songs, Folk Music of Libya
There are Arabs, Berbers, Tebo, Jewish main ethnic groups in Libya. The main language of Libya is Modern Standard Arabic . The other versions of Standard Arabic are Egyptian Arabic, Moroccan Arabic languages. Depending upon the regions, the folk music of each region is exclusive or distinct. The folk music Andalusi (Maluf) Chhabi, Tuareg music are common folk music of Libya. The camel travelers have a specific song of Bedouin people which is called the mimic of camel walking.
The folk songs are sung with dances. there are many dances according to festivals, social events and individual event. The folklore dance, the dance of girl being mature, Hagallah dance, is very common dance-song in matrimonial events. Guedra dance-song is exclusive dance-song of Berber population. Belly dance-song is as of Egypt people.
Folk Songs, Music of Morocco
Arab , Berber communities are major ethnic groups in Morocco. Minor ethnic group Jewish community played a great role in commerce development of the country. Moroccan Arabic is major language of Morocco while Berber language is also spoken in many regions. French is unofficial second language of the country.
The folk songs could be divided according to Music of Morocco as:
1-Berber Music: Village music , ritual music and music by professional class
2-Chaabi Music: Mostly the songs were sung in market places but now are popular in events and celebrations.
3-Gnwa: The native of this music is Sub Sahara area. This is mystical or Sufi music. The rituals have strict rule in singing and music.
4-Malhun: The Malhun song-music is derived from al-ala music
5- Rai: Rai music style is closely to Algeria but now it has become part of ethnomusicology of Morocco too.
6-Tankas or Sufi brotherhood music-song: Sufi music is main spiritual music of the country . There are many variants of Sufi brotherhood music and songs
Scholars can also divide folk songs of Morocco according to folk dances of the country as :
1-Shikat dance-song: is Moroccan style of belly dance-song
2-Guedra is folk dance-song of southern Morocco
3-Awash is the folk dance-song of hilly area of the country
4-Gnaona: the tradition came from Sub Sahara region
5-Houara : is dance-song of the Inezgane region
6- Ahidous : is the tribal dance-song of Middle atlas
7-Quais
8-Tskiouine is warrior dance-song as Kaitura or Pandon of Garhwal (india)
9-Haha is male dance-song
Folk Songs of Sudan
Black ( 52 %),Arabs ( 39%), Beja (6%), foreigners (2 %) and other s (1 %) are major ethnic groups but there are many sub ethnic groups in Sudan make Sudan as most diverse country in terms of culture and customs.
The major languages of Sudan are Arabic , English, Nubian languages, Acholi, Dinka, Madi, bari, Otuho, Lopit, Zande, Muru, Murule, Lango, Anywak,Shiluk, Buya, Toposa and many more languages
Sudan is rich in heritage and folk music. According to music the scholars divide Sudanese folk Music as
1- Dervish Music and lyrics: The dervish music is Sufi music and very popular in each region. The songs are to awaken the consciousness of the person (Zikr).
In Garhwali (India), many Nathpanthi songs as Dalyaun ka Song are easily comparable to Sufi songs of Sudan
2- Southern Folk Music of Sudan: due to diverse culture of Southern Sudan, there are varieties of folk music and songs in the regions .There are songs related to beliefs, legends, work songs, songs related to culture and customs of the region.
3- Nubian Music and Songs : Nubba is central part of Sudan. The folk music has its exclusivity due to cultural and regional exclusivity of the region.
4-Haqibah: This genre is found more in Northern Sudan. Haqibah has roots in Muslim song Madeeh
5- Northern Sudanese Lyrical music is basically the independence lyric music.
There are many folk songs in Garhwali (Indian) too about freedom fights as about Gandhi and Nehru. Now these days, these songs are no more sung and hence, the songs are diminishing from the Garhwali society
Folk Songs of Tunisia
Arab( 98%), Jewish and European are the ethnic groups of Tunisia. Standard Arabic, Judeo-Tunisia, French, Lingua Franca, Sened, Shilha, languages are spoken in Tunisia.
From music point of view, Tunisian folk songs are as
1- Malouf
2- mezwed
3-Salhi
Raqs shabi is popular dance and on this basis the songs are sung in various occasions as entertainment, marriages, festivals, sports (Footbal games) etc. The songs are related to love subject or flirty subject for Raqs al Mehram dance. There are songs as per Memphis dances. Since, pottery is major industry in Tunisia , most the dance-songs are having the subject or pottery as pottery dance-song . There are traditional songs on the subjects of
1-Sufi and religious songs
2- Love songs (libertine seduction, attraction)
3-Camal pleasures of life
4- Festival , marriage occasions
5- work related songs specially potteries
Folk Songs of Botswana
Tswana(79%), Bamagwato, Bangwaketsi, Bakgatla, Barolong, Bamelete, Batlokwa, Kalanga,Basarwa are major ethnic groups in Botswana.
Official language is English but 78 % population speak Tswana language and there are many other languages spoken in various regions too.
The folk music of Botswana is mostly vocal without drum in Botswana.
The folk songs as per folk music are as:
1- Huru
2- Tsutsube
3- Phathisi
4-Borankana
5-Mokomoto
5-Selete
6-Ndazola
7-Setapa
8-Chesa
9- Stibikoko
Kwaito music of Johannesburg and Kwasa Kwasa , Kwaito Kwasa music also influenced the music of Botswana
From dance point of view, the folk music and songs area sper dance
1- Borankana
2-Chesa
3-Ndozola
4- San dance.
Folk Songs of Lesotho
99.7 percent population is Sotho and Sesotho is virtually spoken by all. In some regions, Zulu and Xhosa languages are also spoken.
The songs are sun in churches, there are festive songs, work songs, kids songs, love songs, birth songs and entertaining folk songs in Lesotho . no marriage is complete without dance and songs in Lesotho
Folk Songs of Zimbabwe
There are Bantu speaking, Shona, and Ndebele as major ethnic groups in Zimbabwe apart from 1 percent foreign origins groups. Shona, Ndebele, English, Kalanga, Tong languages are spoken in the country .
In the famous book Nationalists, Cosmopolitans and Popular Music in Zimbabwe , Thomas Turino states that music is integral part of Zimbabwe ,
From traditional dance point of view, the folk songs of Zimbabwe are
1-Jerusarema (shone culture, related to ceremonies, funeral, war ,
2-Shangara
3- Muchongoyo (military training , social, recreational song-dance)
4-Mbakumba
5-Dhinhe (Spiritual and religious song dance to talk with spirits)
6-Dandanda
7-Njari
8-Mbira (spiritual dance and song)
Chimurenga is popular music genre of Zimbabwe which means struggle.
From music and instruments point of view the Zimbabwean songs could be divided as:
1- Mbira
2-Sungura
3-Tuku
4-Jit
5-rumba
6- Gospel (latest genre )
7- Bulawayo
Folk Songs of Namibia
In Namibia , there are Black (88%), White (6%), and mixed groups are 6 %. The ethnic groups are Ovambo (50%), Kavangos (9%),Herero (7%), Damara (7%), Caprivian (4% ), Bushmen ( 3%), Baster (2%), Tswana (0.5%).
The English is official language of Namibia and local ethnic languages are Diriku, Herero, Kwangali, Kwanyama, Lozi, Mbukushu, Nama, Ndonga, Tswana. . The immigrant languages are Chokwe , Fanagalo, Kgalagadi , Luchazi , Luyana , Nkhumbi , Nyemba , Standard German , Umbundu.
The following music or song style are major folk music of Namibia:
1-Kornsert music of Herero ethnic groups
2-Magasia music is famous in Damara community
3-Shambo is traditional music dance of Oshiwambo speaking community
4-Hukwa is combination of Hip Hop and Kwaito
5-Afrikan music is primarily European folk music and songs
There are songs in Namibia for each stage of life as birth song, songs for children, teaching songs for youth, wedding songs, death songs, storytelling songs, legendary songs, work songs and songs for various ethnic festivals.
South African Folk Songs
Ethnically, South Africa is diverse and complex country. There are four major groups in South Africa –Black (75.2 %), White (13.6), Cape coloured (8.6%) and Asians (2.6)., Black community comprises of Zulu, Xhosa, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Tswana, Shangana-Tsongo, and Swazi.
From music style point of view the folk songs are as :
1-Boeremuseik:Initially this was European music but later on the South African communities adopt the same and changes as per regional needs . The music is related to social dancing-singing and entertainment in festivals and fairs.
2-Swazi Music: The original music is of Swazi community but now the genre is popular in all regions of South Africa
3-Indlamu or Zulu is a war dance and performed at wedding.
4-Isicathamia: is Zulu song and dance
5-Kwaito is latest version of house song and is slow in manner but with shouting
6- Kwela is South African music but now the westernized music is also mixed with original Kwela music style.
7-Marabi music is local music and was intended to call for illicit drinks by liquor sellers
8-Maskanda is Zulu music and songs.
9-Mbaqanga :
10- Mbube is Zulu music genre
11-Mirabi is mixer of South African music and American Zaz is symbol of protest against Apartheid
12-Township music is urban indigenous music style
13-Tswana music is the regional music style of Tswana community
14-Xhoza music is mixer of American band and local music style
15-Zulu music is originally the music style of Zulu ethnic groups
Folk Songs of Swaziland
The Afrikaen, British, Colored, Comorian, Eurafrican colored, , Indians, Nyanja, Swazi, Tsonga and Zulu are ethnc groups in Swaziland
The languages of Swaziland are English, Afrikans, Maore, Hindi, Nyanja, Swati, Tsongand Zulu.
The music is Bantu and Swazi folk songs
From dance point of view, the songs are Shibhaca, Reed dance festival songs,
Folk Songs of Benin
Africans are major groups (99%) in Benin and sub groups are – Fon,Adja, Aizo, Goun, Bariba, Yoruba, Somba,
The major languages are French, Fula, Gen, Ife , Aja language (Niger-Congo), Bariba language,Bariba people, Languages of Benin, Dendi language, Kabiyé language, Template:Languages of Benin, Phla–Pherá languages, Songhay languages, Yoruba langu
There are more than fifty r languages spoken in Benin
The folk songs are of various types as work songs, religious songs, recreational songs, feast songs, wedding songs, engagement songs , birth songs, songs for children, songs by children, specific dance songs, time pass songs, greeting songs and funeral songs.
Folk Songs of Burkina Faso
Mossi is major group of Burkina Faso (40%) . Other ethnic groups are Bobo, Gurunsi, Senufo,Lobi, Mande and Fulani. There are more than other sixty ethnic groups in the country.
There are more than fifty five languages are spoken in Burkina Faso and major languages are French, Mossi, Fula, Moore, Jula, etc
Djeli, Balfon,Fulbe music are traditional music
Each ethnic group has specific folk song tradition and this factor makes Burkina Faso a major store of folk songs in types and subjects.
Folk Songs of Côte d'Ivoire
There are more than sixty ethnic groups and more than sixty languages in the country. The folk music and songs of each ethnic group and language is unique and also similar to other neighboring countries.
Folk Songs of Gambia
There are eight main ethnic groups in Gambia –Aku, Fula,Jola,Mandika, Serahule, Serer, Tukulor, Wolof, Each group preserve its own language, ethnic music and songs,
Folk Songs of Ghana
In Ghana, there are are 100 cultural and linguistic groups .Themajor groups are Akan, Ewe, Mole-Dagbane, Guan, Ga-Adangbe .Gonja, Kasem, nzem. There are more than 100 languages spoken in Ghana.
In a book “Folk Songs of Ghana”, Julia Christensen divided Ghana folk songs into following categories
1- Song by and about the people of Mosomagor (Ghana)
2- Independent song
3-Love songs
4-Children songs
5-Religious Songs
General songs
6-Muslim greeting Songs (This is specific regional songs in terms of Islamic culture)
7-Songs taken from Burma (Myanmar)
8-apatampa’s funeral songs
9-Various songs on Orchestra
1- Work songs
Folk Songs of Guinea
Fulani, Malinke, Soussou are major groups and other tens of minor ethnic groups exist in the territory.
Official language is French and there are more than 36 ethnic languages as Kissi, Kpelle, Maninkakakn, Pular, Susu, toma etc.
The folk songs of the country are same as African songs and music
Folk Song of Guinea Bissau
The folk songs are Tina, Tinga including religious , funeral, love, children, working and love songs .a genre Guinea Bissau Creole songs are humorous and interesting genre
Folk Songs of Liberia
There are 28 main ethnic groups and languages in Liberia. The folk music and culture is same of African music with blend of regional color and the blending of American missionary rituals , Japanese influences.
Traditional Songs of Mali
The main ethnic groups of Mali are Mande (Bambara, Malinke, and Sarakole) Peul(Fulani), Voltaic, Songhai, Tuareg and Moor. French is official language of Mali. Other major languages are Bambara (is second language), Manding, Malinke, Kassonke, Jula, Soninke, Bozo, Senufo, Fulfulde , Mopti, Songhey, Tamasheqe, Arabic.
It is said that without music, mali is nothing. The ethnic folk songs has a rich heritage in Mali. There is influence of Mande empire on all music of Mali.The folk music groups can be divided as
1- Mande Music
2-Maninka Music
3-Bamana
4-Mandinka
5-Jeliya: Jeliya is a class of professional musicians and singers sponsored by upper class of Horon class. Mostly Jeliya are craftsmen, blacksmith, coppersmith. Jeily are as Badi and scheduled caste of Garhwal (India) . In Garhwal (India) , Harijan and Badi have been the real creators of folk songs.
There are poetic stories, folklores musical epics, entertaining folk songs, love songs, various work songs, ritual songs, praise songs, morality teaching songs in mali culture.
Griot Music : the Griot professionals has very important position in King court. The Griot do not do any jobs but used to do praising the kings for his fame, used to create heroic songs, comical songs too, used to be mediators, they used to resolve disputes between families of villages . The praising in Mali culture is somewhat same as in Garhwali Jagar, the heros are praised and worshipped.
Surprisingly , Badis of Garhwal has same type of position as Griot of Mali as Badis don’t do any agriculture works except singing or dancing and entertaining the people.
In Mali, every dance has specific rhythm and song.
Folk Songs of Mauritania
There is class and caste culture in Mauritania s found in India. Major groups in Mauritania are Hassaniya, Haratine, Halpular, Peul, Soninke, Wolof, Maures, Toucouleure, Fulbe, Bambara and many more Quabilas
The languages are French, Hassaniya, Berber and its many dialects, Peul, Soninke, Wolof, Maures, Toucouleure, Fulbe, Bambara
There are three ways of traditional music:
1- Al-babyda
2-Al-kahla
3-I’Gnaydiya
The lower caste people play the music and folk songs
Folk Songs of Niger
The major ethnic groups of Niger are Hausa (55%), Djerma-Songhai (22%), Fulani (8.5%), Taureg (8%), Kanouri (4%), Arab, Tubou and many other smaller groups
French is official language. The other ethnic languages are Hausa, Arabic, etc The court recognizes 21 languages as official languages of Niger. The languages and ethnic groups make Niger the never drying lake of folk music and songs.
The following main traditional music is popular in Niger
1-Hausa
2- Igbo
3-Yoruba
4-Children music
5-traditional Theatrical music
Types of Traditional Songs of Nigeria
Hausa, Fulan, Yuroba, Igbo, Ibibio, Kanuri, Annang Tiv, and Efik are major ethnic groups out of 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria.
Hausa, Fulan, Yuroba, Igbo, Ibibio, Kanuri, Efik (Annang Tiv, and Efik) and English are major languages of the country
The traditional music of Nigeria comprises of the following genre :
1-Hausa Music
2- Fulan, Yuroba, Music
3- Igbo, Ibibio Music
4- Kanuri, Annang Tiv, and Efik Music
5- Durbar music on festivals
The folk songs of Nigeria are
1- Work songs specially songs related to agriculture activities. There are restrictions on for which music should be played during different parts of growing season .
2-Life span songs (birth, maturity of male and females , love, wedding , funeral etc)
3- Rituals and religious of each ethnic group
4- Regional heroes, exclusivity, and acts oriented song of various ethnic groups
5- Children songs as call and response songs,
6- Songs and music about communication between living and dead
7- Mythological songs
Elements of Folk Songs of Senegal
Wolof (43.3%), Pular (23.8%), Soninke (1.1%) are major ethnic groups of Senegal besides other twenty groups.
There are songs, music for every ceremony and changes takes place in the lives of people in the country.
Copyright@ Bhishma Kukreti
