Masai Music
The Music and Culture of the Masai People
Of the numerous tribes who have remained attached to their traditional lifestyles and cultures in Africa, the Masai are indefinitely amongst some of the most well known. The Masai occupy the lands between Kenya and Tanzania – their name for these seemingly infinite plains is the Serengeti. They have successfully maintained a pastoral and nomadic lifestyle structured around their herds of cattle; the Masai’s relationship to their cattle is unprecedented in African culture. Alongside living a unique lifestyle, the music of the Masai people is also very unique. Some of the techniques they use in their songs can be seen elsewhere in Africa, however, there are many factors that contribute to a truly special product. The music of the Masai is an integral part of their culture; they have songs for just about everything they do throughout their typical lives. There is a well known saying amongst the Masai which translates “It takes one day to destroy a house; to build a new house will take months and perhaps years. If we abandon our way of life to construct a new one, it will take thousands of years"4
A very stereotypical aspect that many would argue is an integral part of music culture in Africa is drumming. Although different types of drums – ranging from bongo drums to different snares and metal idiophones – are commonly used to create an easily identifiable beat in many songs, the Masai stand apart from these standards. In fact, the Masai are amongst a small group of people who hardly use any instruments at all in their musical performances. With the exception of the Kudu horn in Eunoto ceremonies, the Masai use no other instruments to accompany their singing2. They sing typically in a call and answer style using occasional grunts and guttural sounds alongside chanting5. A typical group of singers in the Masai community consists of a group of male Morani warriors in rows or a circle1. They all partake in a polyrhythmic
Of the numerous tribes who have remained attached to their traditional lifestyles and cultures in Africa, the Masai are indefinitely amongst some of the most well known. The Masai occupy the lands between Kenya and Tanzania – their name for these seemingly infinite plains is the Serengeti. They have successfully maintained a pastoral and nomadic lifestyle structured around their herds of cattle; the Masai’s relationship to their cattle is unprecedented in African culture. Alongside living a unique lifestyle, the music of the Masai people is also very unique. Some of the techniques they use in their songs can be seen elsewhere in Africa, however, there are many factors that contribute to a truly special product. The music of the Masai is an integral part of their culture; they have songs for just about everything they do throughout their typical lives. There is a well known saying amongst the Masai which translates “It takes one day to destroy a house; to build a new house will take months and perhaps years. If we abandon our way of life to construct a new one, it will take thousands of years"4
A very stereotypical aspect that many would argue is an integral part of music culture in Africa is drumming. Although different types of drums – ranging from bongo drums to different snares and metal idiophones – are commonly used to create an easily identifiable beat in many songs, the Masai stand apart from these standards. In fact, the Masai are amongst a small group of people who hardly use any instruments at all in their musical performances. With the exception of the Kudu horn in Eunoto ceremonies, the Masai use no other instruments to accompany their singing2. They sing typically in a call and answer style using occasional grunts and guttural sounds alongside chanting5. A typical group of singers in the Masai community consists of a group of male Morani warriors in rows or a circle1. They all partake in a polyrhythmic
Bibliography: 1. Finke, Jen. "Maasai Music and Dance - Traditional Music & Cultures of Kenya." Maasai Music and Dance - Traditional Music & Cultures of Kenya. Accessed December 04, 2014. http://www.bluegecko.org/kenya/tribes/maasai/music.htm. 2. "The Culture, Music and Dance of the Maasai Tribe - Luxe Adventure Traveler." Luxe Adventure Traveler. Accessed December 01, 2014. http://jdombstravels.com/maasai-tribe/. 3. "Maasai American Organization - Dedicated to the Promotion of Education and Community Health." Maasai American Organization - Dedicated to the Promotion of Education and Community Health.. http://www.maasaiamerican.org/links.htm. 4. "Maasai Culture | Ceremonies and Rituals." Maasai Culture | Ceremonies and Rituals. Accessed December 02, 2014. http://www.maasai-association.org/ceremonies.html. 5. "Maasai Music and Dance - Traditional Music & Cultures of Kenya." Maasai Music and Dance - Traditional Music & Cultures of Kenya. http://www.bluegecko.org/kenya/tribes/maasai/music.htm.