African wind instruments: The Nyanga pan pipes and kudu horns
The Nyanga Pan Pipes
Music in Africa is vast and distinct. The use of music instruments in the continent is very traditional. From drums to wind instruments, African people create music that has a touch of their own taste and character. Among the traditional wind instruments in the continent are the Nyanga pan pipes and Kudu horns. Here are some information that can help you learn more about these instruments.
This set of instruments originates from the Nyungwe people in Tete district in Mozambique. Nyanga pan pipes are included in an ensemble of up to 30 instruments. Playing them involve blowing, singing and dancing. Nyanga pan pipes are seen as an instrument that creates complex African music. With it, people get to understand the complexities of African music. Given the challenge of playing Nyanga pipes, there are instruction booklets that are produced and offered at the International Library of African Music.
This kind of instrument is not just blown to produce music and rhythm. Playing it involves intricate dance steps and interlocking rhythmic patterns. As a matter of fact, there is a Nyanga pan pipe dance that includes different steps. In some parts of Mozambique, a group of 50 people forms a panpipe orchestra in order to beat the hot weather. They play the pipes while dancing in a circle to produce music that will make it rain.
Kudu Horn
Kudu horn releases a mellow and warm sound that has the ability to add a unique African accent to the music. This instrument, which comes in a set of six horns, reflects the cross pollination of musical traditions in Africa. It comes from the horn of the kudu antelope and is occasionally used in Jewish ceremonies.
A kudu horn can also be seen in football matches as its shape is likened to that of a kuduzela, which is also known as vuvuzela. Football fans blow it during matches to cheer for their favourite teams.
The use of this instrument is not limited in Africa. As a matter of fact, it is often used in the Western scene during Wood Badge training programs. Wood Badge is an activity by the Scouting movement and officials blow the kudu horn to mark the start of the training. This idea started in 1907, when the first Scouts were alerted and brought together by the sound of the kudu horn. Until today, many Scout camps and training zones across the globe make use of kudu horn as a signal.
By: Titus Kivite
Africa Global News Publication
