Xylophone, Glockenspiel, Bells for Beginner Adults. 45 Traditional African Songs: Play by Letter

The xylophone is the most important traditional folk instrument on the African continent, alongside the drum. Usually, African scales differ from Western ones. The African xylophones mostly have 5, 6, or 7-note (pentatonic, hexatonic, heptatonic) scales, while Western instruments typically have a diatonic scale. Rhythm is the most distinguishing characteristic of African music and it always prevails over the melody.

The songs in this e-book have been adapted and can be played on all models of popular wooden xylophone, metal glockenspiel (metallophone), or resonator blocks. Even a simple kids’ xylophone will be adequate to play most of these songs. Some songs here have been simplified for beginners.

The same song played on a wooden xylophone and on a metallophone will result in very different sounds. Due to their clear rhythmic patterns, African songs are an ideal material for any kind of musician. You will find both diatonic and chromatic scores. Some melodies have been especially transposed to a diatonic range to allow you to play them on the most popular models of xylophone.

This e-book is aimed at those new to music and musical instruments and I put letter notation above the notes to make it possible for you to confidently begin playing.

Since African music assumes improvisation and variation, I 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, so you can listen to the rhythm before beginning to play.

1. Amawole - Song from Congo
2. Askari Eee - Song from Tanzania
3. Atadwe - Song from Ghana
4. Banaha - Song from Congo
5. Banuwa - Song from Liberia
6. Bebe Moke - Song from Congo
7. Before Dinner - Song from Congo
8. Bilanga Na Ngai - Song from Congo
9. Che Che Koolay - Song from Ghana
10. Coco Laye-LayeSong from Congo
    Do Do Ki Do. Song from Cameroon
    Eh Soom Boo Kawaya. Song from Nigeria
    Erile Baboye. Song from South Africa
    Famba Naye. Song from Zimbabwe
    Funga Alafia. Song from Ghana
    Iro Ye. Song from Benin
    Kanzenzenze. Song from Congo
    Kokoleoko. Song from Liberia
    Kotiko. Song from Congo
    Kuya Mbio. Song from Tanzania
    L’abe igi Orombo. Song from Nigeria
    Makun. Song from Mali
    Manamolela. Song from South Africa
    Mayo Nafwa. Song from Zambia
    Mbele Mama. Song from South Africa
    Ning Wendete. Song from Kenya
    Noyana. Song from South Africa
    Obwisana. Song from Ghana
    Olélé Moliba Makasi. Song from Congo
    Plouf Tizen Tizen. Song from Algeria
    Sansa Kroma. Song from Ghana
    Sélinguenia. Song from Kenya
    Shosholoza. Song from South Africa
    Si Ma Ma Ka. Song from Ghana
    Si Si Kumbale. Song from South Africa
    Sindi. Song from Burkina Faso
    Siyahamba. Song from South Africa
    Siyanibingelela. Song from South Africa
    Stick Passing Song. Song from Uganda
11. Tue Tue - Song from Ghana
12. Umele - Song from South Africa
13. Wa Wa Wa - Song from Congo
14. Welcome Song - Song from Uganda
15. Zimbole - Song from South Africa
16. Zomina - Song from Togo