What was the influence of West African music on American music?

Answer 1

Many west Africans were captured and sold as slaves in the United States. Music sung by slaves became Gospel Music. The music of Africa was also polyrhythmic, meaning their rhythms were quite complex. European music, which America inherited, was very melodic, but had simple rhythyms. The combination of European melodic traditions with African polyrhythms resulted in ragtime music in the 1890s. This heavily syncopated music in turn led to jazz and all that followed. Most American rock and Pop Music today is heavily syncopated, thanks to that African influence. Pop music words have also been influenced by West Africa. For example, in Wolof (a major language in west Africa) cat or kaimeans music, and hepi means to be aware, to know. So in jazz, a great musician was a hep cat. It is likely that hep -> hip >- hip-hop and also hippie.

Answer 2

African music is characterized by drums and other percussion instruments, which are heavily used in Latin American music. Latin American music also has Spanish influence.

Answer 3

Traditional African music influences rap, hip~hop, pop, and rock music. The use of drums and a steady beat comes from African tribal music.