Please provide a definition for syncretism. Community involvement is one of the main components in Sub-Saharan African music. In your own opinion, do you think the Western world is leaning towards community involvement, specialized musicians, or neither?
In many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, the use of music is not limited to entertainment: it benefits the local community and aids in the day-to-day running of events. Traditional African music provides music and dance suitable for work and births, christenings, religious ceremonies, weddings, and funerals. The use of drum beats and sounds is communication and cultural expression.
African dances are mostly participatory: traditionally there is no barrier between dancers and spectators regarding spiritual, religious, and initiation dances. There is often a time for the audience to participate in ritual dances as well. This dance helps people to act, mature, praise or criticize members of the community, celebrate festivals and funerals, compete, recite history, proverbs, and poems, and confront the gods. They develop social norms and values. Most dances are performed by men or women only. Dances are often separated by gender, reinforcing gender roles in children. Community structures such as kinship, age, and status are often strengthened. Sharing a rhythm means creating a collective consciousness, connecting, being part of a rhythm of collective life in which everyone is invited to collaborate.
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