The Music of Africa

The study of African music is a study at once of unity and diversity. The range of indigenous musical resources and practices found on this vast continent is as wide and varies as its topography. In this informative and highly readable book, Professor Nketia provides an overview of the musical traditions of Africa with respect to their historical, cultural, and social background, their organization and practice, and delineates the most significant aspects of musical style.

J. H. Kwabena Nketia has been Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Music at the University of Pittsburgh. He is also Professor Emeritus at the Institute of African Studies at the University of Ghana in Legon and at the Department of Music at UCLA. The most prominent scholar in the field of African music, he has published numerous books and articles both in English and Twi.