African folk music
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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A lot of African traditional music is or was performed by professional musicians. Some of it belongs to court music or sacral music traditions, therefore the term "folk" music is not always appropriate. Nevertheless, both the terms "folk music" and "traditional music" can be found in the literature.
Sub-Saharan African folk music and traditional music is mostly functional in nature. There are, for example, many different kinds of work songs, ceremonial or religious music and courtly music performed at royal courts, but none of these are performed outside of their intended social context.
Music is highly functional in African ethnic life, accompanying childbirth, marriage, hunting, and even political activities.
