Jazz music

Where Did Jazz Music Come From?
Jazz considered an elites choice of music, has a rich history tracing back to the United States. Black artists from New Orleans, Louisiana are the brains behind this classic genre, whose popularity goes way back to the 1920s. New Orleans, long regarded as one of the musical capitals of the United States, was home to a thriving ragtime and blues heritage. Early musicians such as Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong built on these blues and ragtime traditions and improvised over them, creating a whole new genre.
The genre flourished quickly throughout the United States and New York City. Ideally, it is a style of music distinguished by rich harmonies, syncopated rhythms, and an emphasis on improvisational elements. And throughout the genre, it infuses pop, rock, and traditional music. It continues to evolve, with new forms and sub-genres emerging.
Interestingly, many people believe that Africa is the originator of these songs. Why? Because the genre’s pioneers were Africans residing in the United States. They composed these songs with inspiration from their motherland at the time, plagued by the slave trade. Therefore, they used these compositions to express themselves and speak of their plight – segregation was a huge problem.
In Africa, jazz sounds originally created in the United States have the traditional touch now changing the genre continually. Traditional beats, progressions, and instruments from the continent are a unique African sound of the genre.
In a world defined by technical breakthroughs, electronic musicians are drawing inspiration for their cutting-edge compositions from African songs standards from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Despite the fact that other genres are on and off, this one is here to stay as a mirror of authentic human expression. It keeps the fire burning for a category of music that our forefathers used to condemn ills projected to people of colour.
Who Are The Favourite African Jazz Artists?
Like many other facets of the world, Africa prides itself in crafting an afro version, a genre with an African-American feel. And the ambassadors of jazz in Africa include the following.
· Hugh Masekela
· Miriam Makeba
· Oliver Mtukudzi
· Manu Dibango
· Mulatu Astatke
· Marcus Wyatt
· Judith Sephuma
· Kesivan Naidoo
· Omar Sosa
· Richard Bona
· Isaiah Katumwa
· Eddie Grey
· Christine Kamau
· Mulatu Astatke
· Remmy Lubega
Why Should You Listen to Modern Jazz?
From rock to blues to classical, jazz has a place in practically every style of music. As a result, there are numerous subgenres. Some of the most popular include:
· Cool jazz
· Swing
· Bebop
· Big Band
The African version evolved into a contemporary sound throughout time with the intent to appeal to more people. Its fan base has grown in the continent. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, moreso the African millennial who are more inclined to bubbly music. The songs are smooth with laid back beats, and it sounds sentimental.
This explains why older African men and women have an affinity for this genre. They relate to it, and it evokes memories of who they are, where they are from and what they stand for as a people. Besides, the music is instrumental in growing the African creative industry through the infusion of different beats and sounds.
For instance, Nigeria has special jazz. From 1939 through 1945, Nigerian performers like Bobby Benson, Bob Edwards, Tunde Amuwo, Soji Lijadu, and Willy Payne put West Africa on the global map.
The artists returned from Europe with all tools of the trade – saxophone, great vocals, and electric-powered guitar – among others. Since then, the genre’s melodies found their way into almost every band performing in Lagos. Some of these bands still play.
Looking at the African music landscape, it is safe to say that saxophone-defined music has made tremendous progress. Its shows sell far and wide while pulling a special kind of audience in concerts. People now appreciate the African flavour in this creative import from New Orleans. It comes with a distinct African-American melody but it is the African subgenres that worm up to the people's hearts.
Clubs, parties, and concerts are the main mediums for jazz music because it rarely gets playtime in the mainstream media. The genre’s artists capitalise on live performances to satisfy ardent smooth music lovers. But as much as the mainstream media gives this genre a wide berth, it helps in running corporate campaigns giving artists more exposure. Moreover, online streaming platforms are bridging this gap. So, if your need the smooth, calm saxophone and guitar strumming in your house or car; you will always get it.
Nevertheless, more interest is needed to put jazz at per or above other popular genres enjoying insatiable fan support.