African Musical concerts | History, Features, and Instruments

Have you ever wondered why African musical concerts feel different? 

It’s almost like the music reaches your chest before it reaches your ears.

It is not magic. It’s centuries of culture, storytelling, and handcrafted instruments working together to create a sound that grabs your attention and refuses to let go.

Across Africa, concerts are more than entertainment. They’re community gatherings, history lessons, and celebrations of identity. 

UNESCO and other reports have noted that music and live performance are central to African cultural expressions, which explains why these concerts carry so much energy and meaning

At ML Percussions, we’ve spent years studying (and crafting) the instruments behind these sounds; from talking drums to bata, gangan, shekere, djembes, and more. 

And the deeper you look, the more fascinating African musical concerts become.

In this guide, we’ll break down what makes African musical concerts special, the history behind them, the key features that shape their energy, and the instruments that give them their unforgettable feel.

Ready? Let’s dive in.

History of African Musical Concerts

African musical concerts did not start on big stages; they began in open fields, village squares, royal courts, and community festivals.

Their history is long, rich, and shaped by real people, real events, and real cultural shifts.

Key moments that shaped the history of African musical concerts:

A. Pre-colonial Gatherings

In places like old Oyo Empire, Buganda Kingdom, and Ashanti communities, music was central to festivals, coronations, and storytelling nights. 

Concerts were community-powered, with drums leading the rhythm and dancers responding in real time.

B. Royal Drum Ensembles

Courts of kings such as Oba Akenzua II (Benin) and the Kabaka of Buganda used drum orchestras for official events. 

These early performances inspired the structure of many modern African musical concerts.

C. Colonial Era Influence

Western instruments like the guitar and brass horns entered through missionaries and military bands. 

This mix helped birth highlife (Ghana), juju (Nigeria), and soukous (DRC), shaping the future concert sound.

D. Post-Independence Concert Boom (1960s–1990s)

Artists like Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, and Franco Luambo began performing to massive crowds across Africa. 

Their shows became political, cultural, and social movements.

E. Modern-Day Mega Concerts

Today’s African musical concerts range from Felabration (Nigeria) to Lake of Stars (Malawi) and AfroNation (Ghana), attracting thousands, mixing traditional instruments with global sounds.

Why this history matters

It shows how African musical concerts grew from local gatherings to global events; while still holding onto the drumming, dancing, and storytelling that started it all.

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Key Features of African Musical Concerts

African concerts aren’t just shows; they’re a full-body experience. 

If you’ve ever watched Fela at the Shrine, Burna Boy at MSG, or Yemi Alade on a European tour, you know exactly what I mean. 

Here’s what makes these concerts stand out, and how each one connects to culture, energy, and performance.

1. Live Drumming & Percussion Power

• Talking drum, djembe, bata — the heartbeat of the concert.
  
  
• Creates intensity that naturally boosts testosterone through excitement and movement.
  
  

2. Call-and-Response Magic

• Artists engage the crowd directly: “Are you ready?” “Say yeah!”
  
  
• Builds unity and adrenaline, a key part of African music identity.
  
  
• Used by legends like Fela, Angelique Kidjo, and even modern acts like Sauti Sol.
  
  

3. Dance — From Traditional to Urban

• Amapiano body rolls, Yoruba bata footwork, Azonto swings — nonstop movement.
  
  
• High-energy dance increases testosterone, mood, and confidence.
  
  
• Dancers like Kaffy have turned this into global art.
  
  

4. Storytelling Through Music

• African concerts carry themes: love, politics, joy, struggle.
  
  
• Short stories between songs keep audiences emotionally locked in.
  
  
• Think of Burna Boy weaving history into his performances.
  
  

5. Cultural Displays

• Masquerades, costumes, talking drum solos, folklore chants.
  
  
• Adds identity and authenticity — no two concerts feel the same.
  
  
• Popular at festivals like Felabration and Afronation.
  
  

6. Community Vibe

• African concerts feel like family events — everyone participates.
  
  
• Shared energy builds confidence and emotional release.
  
  
• From street concerts in Lagos to stadium shows in Johannesburg.
  
  
  

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Role of Music in Rituals, Storytelling, and Community Events

You already know; african musical concerts didn’t start on modern stages, they grew from rituals, village gatherings, and storytelling circles.

I. Rituals:

Drums lead naming ceremonies, weddings, coronations, and spiritual rites. 
The talking drum often “speaks” messages the crowd already understands.

II. Storytelling:

Griots in Mali, Yoruba drummers in Nigeria, and oral poets across Africa use music to pass down history and life lessons.

III. Community Events:

From Igbo festivals to Ghanaian durbars, music unites people, boosts energy, and strengthens the community spirit, the same energy carried into African musical concerts today.

Traditional Instruments Used in African Musical Concerts

African concerts shine because of instruments that carry centuries of culture. Each one adds a unique sound and emotional flavor.

• Boost testosterone, boost energy — these instruments deliver rhythm that lifts both mood and confidence.
  
  
• Instruments vary by region but share one truth: they make African concerts unforgettable.
  
  

Instruments You’ll Commonly See at African Musical Concerts

I. Talking Drums (Gangan, Bata, Omele)

• Sound: Sharp, expressive, and can mimic human speech.
  
  
• Usage: Call-and-response, praise singing, and driving concert energy.
  
  

II. Djembe

• Sound: Deep bass + crisp slaps.
  
  
• Usage: Dance performances, drum circles, and high-energy African musical concerts.
  
  

III. Kalimba

• Sound: Soft, dreamy, metallic plucks.
  
  
• Usage: Storytelling, calm interludes, spiritual or reflective moments.
  
  

IV. Shekere

• Sound: Shakers + rattles blending into rhythm.
  
  
• Usage: Keeps time, adds texture, often paired with drums.
  
  

V. Kora

• Sound: Harp-like, clean, melodic tones.
  
  
• Usage: Griot storytelling, praise songs, intros, and spiritual pieces.
  
  

Learn How to Play the Talking Drum (Beginner Guide)

Where to Find Authentic Instruments Used in African Musical Concerts

If you want instruments that carry real African sound, not plastic toys — authenticity matters.

• Handcrafted instruments last longer, sound better, and keep the traditional voice alive.
  
  
• Mass-produced drums can’t match the tone, feel, or stage presence of handcrafted ones.
  
  

And if you want authentic African drums, crafted by real artisans, MLPercussions is the trusted name musicians, drummers, and performers rely on.

Buy Your Authentic African Drums at ML Percussions

Conclusion

African musical concerts are powerful because they blend culture, rhythm, dance, community, and real instruments that tell a story. 

From rituals to modern stages, the same heartbeat drives everything, the drums, the people, the energy. 

And with the right authentic instruments, anyone can tap into that power.

When you’re ready to experience the real sound — ML Percussions is here for you.

CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR OWN DRUM TODAY