Keyboard for Beginner Adults. 55 Traditional African Songs: Play by Letter

The African songs here are written using European notation, and we should understand that songs cannot be written as authentically as the music is played in its original form.

African music does not implement temporality or major or minor chords. Therefore, the sheet music for African songs here is like a rough draft of the original music. You won't be able to play an African song by the sheet music alone. This is true for jazz and the blues, and it is just as true for African folk music. African music always assumes improvisation, adding variations and syncopation.

Its main task is not to be reproduced, but to get everyone involved, since music, by definition, is the expression of emotional states with the help of sounds of a certain frequency and rhythm.

This book was written for keyboard, but remember that traditional African music never involved or included a piano or other keyboard instrument.

An indication of the country of origin of the song is an approximation because many traditional cultures cross current national borders. The language in which the song is sung is more important, and it can be used in various countries. Most songs have been simplified for beginners and letter names have been added under the musical notes to make it possible for you to confidently begin playing.

Since African music assumes improvisation and variation, we recommend using this sheet music only as a guide.

The most important thing is to listen and repeat the recordings linked to the QR code.

ContentsAchta ta ta ta ta. Song from MoroccoAh Ya Zein. Song from EgyptAhuna. Song from LesothoAmawole. Song from CongoAskari Eee. Song from TanzaniaAtadwe. Song from GhanaA Ram Sam Sam. Song from MoroccoBanaha. Song from CongoBanuwa. Song from LiberiaBebe Moke. Song from CongoBefore Dinner. Song from CongoBilanga Na Ngai. Song from Congo Che Che Koolay. Song from GhanaCoco Laye-Laye. Song from CongoDipidu. Song from Uganda Do Do Ki Do. Song from CameroonEh Soom Boo Kawaya. Song from NigeriaErile Baboye. Song from South AfricaFamba Naye. Song from ZimbabweFunga Alafia. Song from GhanaIro Ye. Song from BeninKanzenzenze. Song from CongoKatoto Lala. Song from Congo Kokoleoko. Song from LiberiaKotiko. Song from CongoKuya Mbio. Song from TanzaniaL'abe igi Orombo. Song from NigeriaMakotoude. Song from MaliMakun. Song from MaliNdeke. Song from CongoManamolela. Song from South AfricaMayo Nafwa. Song from ZambiaMbele Mama. Song from South AfricaMelimba. Song from SenegalNing Wendete. Song from KenyaNoyana. Song from South AfricaObwisana. Song from GhanaOlélé Moliba Makasi. Song from CongoPlouf Tizen Tizen. Song from AlgeriaSansa Kroma. Song from GhanaSélinguenia. Song from KenyaShosholoza. Song from South AfricaSi Ma Ma Ka. Song from GhanaSi Si Kumbale. Song from South AfricaSindi. Song from Burkina FasoSiyahamba. Song from South AfricaSiyanibingelela. Song from South AfricaStick Passing Song. Song from UgandaTake Time in Life. Song from LiberiaTue Tue. Song from GhanaUmele. Song from South AfricaWa Wa Wa. Song from CongoWelcome Song. Song from UgandaZimbole. Song from South AfricaZomina. Song from Togo