African Diasporan Music

One of the most unifying traits found in the music of the AFrican Diaspora is that its performance is participatory and communal. Its purpose is to tell a story and unify. This is done often through some aspect of call and response -- where the music leader and the audience engage in a dialogue. Although music in the African Diaspora is diverse, it is shaped by an African frame of reference (although often influenced by other groups, for example Europeans, Asians, and Arabs. "This reference shapes musical sound, interpretation, and behavior and makes black music traditions throughout the world a unified whole. Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, African (and European) classical, Hip-Hop, and Rock & Roll are genres of music found throughout the world, and demonstrate the diversity and creativity of musicians of African descent.