Music has come a long way in the continent of Africa right from the primitive days of some special families known for music as drummers and king praisers, chants of war or victories of wars, music for entertainment, children singing songs in evening moonlight plays, folklores and so on. Infact, some families, villages and towns deals in music business as drummers, traditional drum makers, masquerade singers/drummers.
Some of the major type of music found in Africa back then includes waka, senwele, juju and some other ones based on cultural heritage and diversity. Africa been multicultural expresses music in different ways and it means different things to different cultures. Then, a switch occured from our traditional music to different types of music which are foreign most especially after the colonisation of African countries by the whites. These foreign music types includes the classical music as exemplified in the orthodox churches where music were arranged on notes and staves with the hymnals been the most popular especially among the Christian faith. Those of the Muslim faith involved use of special Arabic drums.
In addition, this colonization brought about westernization of African countries through education, health and some other things. Hence, western music e.g. contemporary songs came on board and certain musical instruments were introduced like piano, drumset, wind instruments like trumpet, saxophone etc. This change of music gave the African music a new trajectory with our traditional music fading in reputation, recognition and appreciation.
Now, we now talk of different genres of music including afrobeats, reggae, jazz, blues and so on. Now, music isn't restricted to a particular family or individuals again as it is studied in different higher institutions of learning with awards/degrees bagged. Likewise, music has now become a national heritage as different countries have their national anthems sung to strengthen the bond and peace in the nation.
It is worthwhile to note that Africa has produced great and reknowned musicians in the past and is currently doing so as we have seen the likes of Angelique Kidjo, Late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, King Sunny Ade, Davido, late Lucky Dube and many others. On all cycles whether classical, westerner or music involving religion, Africa as a continent can never be forgotten even as musical stars are rising in their numbers which shows the future is bright.
A great plus to African music which gave it a facelift is that of partnerships and collaborations where musicians used their individual talents, skills, opportunities to promote, lift, bring into limelight others. Such partnerships helps the international recognisition of African musicians. Also, organisation of music festivals, hunts, talent shows e.g. Nigeria idol, project fame etc helps in the discovery of young talents for proper grooming. Also, there are now sophisticated musical gadgets, studios, music schools in Africa which aligns it to global standards.
Music has been one of the ways Africa as a continent and particularly Nigeria comes to fame and prominence even at the international level. There is a better improvement of the old music styles in the light of new advancements as some are worked on for better acceptance and recognition. I believe so much in Africa Music and Music at large as a vital tool for healing, peace, love and unity in families, nations, continents and the world at large.
This is my participation post in #Mayinleo monthly prompt for day 17 by the #inleo. Check out this @leogrowth/may-inleo-monthly-prompts to get involved. 
