Page 97 - Music

3. Explain the importance of correct breathing in singing.
4. (a) What is the significance of correct diction in conveying the meaning of a
song to the audience?

(b) As a vocal coach, how would you help the singer with poor diction?

Concept of ngoma

In African societies, ngoma can signify a drum as an instrument, a drum ensemble,
a dance (including singing, dancing and playing musical instruments) and ritual
or initiation ceremony. In this section, you will learn about ngoma as a musical
instrument mostly used by African societies, commonly found in Sub Saharan

Africa. Ngoma is described as a percussion instrument with a body made from
wood, can or tin covered with animal skin on one or both ends. Ngoma can be in
different sizes; that is, small, medium or large. Each of these produces different

tones; low or high-pitched. There are various styles of positioning ngoma when
drumming. For example, one hand can hold the instrument while another hand
drumming or the ngoma can be held between legs where both hands can be used
for drumming. Also, some ngoma can be drummed while placed on the ground.
Figure 6.13 shows various styles of positioning ngoma when drumming.

Figure 6.13: Different styles of positioning ngoma when drumming

91

MUSIC 2023 mpya FINAL.indd 91 18/10/2024 13:24