African Music: Rhythm, Instruments, and Cultural Significance

Question 1

What is a defining characteristic of African music?

Accepted Answer

Call and response technique

Answer

Monophonic textures

Answer

Use of complex harmonies

Answer

Strict adherence to Western classical forms

Question 2

What is the primary function of polyrhythms in African music?

Accepted Answer

To create a sense of dynamic tension and release

Answer

To accentuate specific melodic phrases

Answer

To provide a predictable harmonic foundation

Answer

To imitate natural sounds

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of call and response in African music?

Accepted Answer

To establish a sense of unity and participation

Answer

To create a dynamic contrast between melody and harmony

Answer

To emphasize specific rhythmic patterns

Answer

To provide a platform for improvisation

Question 4

Which of the following is not a characteristic of traditional African music?

Accepted Answer

Extensive use of western harmony

Answer

Emphasis on call and response technique

Answer

Use of polyrhythms

Answer

Prominence of the djembe instrument

Question 5

The call and response technique in African music involves:

Accepted Answer

A soloist singing a melody while others repeat or vary it

Answer

Two or more performers singing or playing melody lines simultaneously

Answer

The use of multiple instruments to create complex harmonies

Answer

Improvised solos over a repeated rhythmic pattern

Question 6

Which of the following rhythmic patterns is not commonly found in traditional African music?

Accepted Answer

Canon

Answer

Hemiola

Answer

Triplets

Answer

Cross-rhythm

Question 7

The djembe is classified as a:

Accepted Answer

Hand drum

Answer

Percussion instrument

Answer

Stringed instrument

Answer

Wind instrument

Question 8

In African music, the term 'ostinato' refers to:

Accepted Answer

A repeated rhythmic pattern

Answer

A melodic phrase

Answer

A harmonic progression

Answer

A vocal improvisation

Question 9

How does African music influence and interact with contemporary global music trends?

Accepted Answer

Elements of African music, like polyrhythms and call and response, are found in popular genres like hip hop and reggae.

Answer

African music remains isolated and unaffected by external influences.

Answer

Contemporary African music solely focuses on preserving traditional styles and instruments.

Answer

African music has lost its relevance and is no longer influential in contemporary society.

Question 10

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of African call and response music?

Accepted Answer

Alternating solo and choral sections

Answer

Use of complex harmonies

Answer

Emphasis on melodic improvisation

Answer

Meter changes throughout the piece

Question 11

Define a polyrhythm.

Accepted Answer

A rhythm played concurrently by two or more instruments

Answer

A rhythm that repeats every four beats

Answer

A pattern of accents that creates tension and release

Answer

A melodic line that moves in contrary motion to the bass line

Question 12

Which instrument, traditionally employed in African music, is known for its use in polyrhythmic performance?

Accepted Answer

Djembe

Answer

Kora

Answer

Marimba

Answer

Sitar

Question 13

Which of the following characterizes African vocal music?

Accepted Answer

Extensive use of ornamentation and melisma

Answer

Strict adherence to rhythmic precision

Answer

Use of advanced harmonies

Answer

Wide vocal range

Question 14

The djembe is a:

Accepted Answer

Traditional hand drum with a goblet-shaped body.

Answer

Stringed instrument with a gourd resonator.

Answer

Wind instrument crafted from bamboo or animal horn.

Answer

Percussion instrument played with sticks.

Question 15

The kora is a:

Accepted Answer

West African stringed instrument with a large gourd resonator.

Answer

Double-headed drum played with hands.

Answer

Percussion instrument made of hollowed-out gourds.

Answer

Wind instrument resembling a flute.

Question 16

Which of the following is not a characteristic of traditional African music?

Accepted Answer

Emphasizing complex harmonies and melodies.

Answer

Emphasis on rhythm and percussion.

Answer

Use of call and response techniques.

Answer

Incorporation of polyrhythms.

Question 17

In African music, how do improvisation and composition work together to create its unique expressiveness?

Accepted Answer

Improvisation allows musicians to express themselves spontaneously, while composition provides structure and unity.

Answer

Improvisation is not important in African music, which mainly uses compositions.

Answer

African music only uses improvisation and does not have compositions.

Question 18

Which of the following is a distinctive characteristic of African music?

Accepted Answer

Call and response technique

Answer

Use of lyrical melodies

Answer

Homophonic texture

Answer

Emphasis on major chords

Question 19

Which instrument is traditionally associated with African music?

Accepted Answer

Djembe

Answer

Violin

Answer

Guitar

Answer

Piano

Question 20

What is the significance of polyrhythms in African music?

Accepted Answer

They create a complex and engaging rhythmic foundation.

Answer

They are only used in ceremonial settings.

Answer

They are not a common feature of African music.

Answer

They make it difficult to learn African rhythms.

Question 21

Which factor has NOT significantly influenced the development of African music?

Accepted Answer

European classical music

Answer

Economic and political changes

Answer

Traditional African customs and beliefs

Answer

Contact with other cultures

Question 22

What is the primary role of a griot in African society?

Accepted Answer

Storyteller and musician

Answer

Chief

Answer

Farmer

Answer

Priest

Question 23

How can we promote the appreciation and understanding of African music?

Accepted Answer

Through educational programs and cultural exchange

Answer

Banning other genres of music

Answer

Promoting it exclusively through social media

Answer

Limiting its performance to traditional contexts