Music has traditionally played a huge role in African culture. African drums hold a unique place in the history of Africa. In Western Culture the thought of drumming is nearly always associated with entertainment or simply to add to the musical quality of the song. In Africa, drums hold a deeper symbolic and historical meaning. It is crucial in representing the strong African heritage and it is importance can be seen in many facets of the culture. Unlike many cultures today, ancient African cultures encompassed music to their everyday lives. Dance, story-telling and non secular practices are all grounded around the music of the culture.
Music is particularly vital in African dance, so much in fact that in many African cultures, there aren't any two words in the language accustomed to distinguish between the two. Essentially, when one uses the word music in reference to African culture, it ought to include the idea of dance. And in contrast to many western civilizations, within the African culture, music and dance means a lot more than something done just to have fun. It has a much greater purpose. For a lot of cultures, a dance is often between two people. South African Drumming has so good place in african culture.
In the South African culture, a dance is generally done by a community or group as well as for a specific purpose.The idea of Utilitarianism shows that the value of a thing depends on its use, and never its beauty. In many ways, African music is really a utilitarian function used in vital facets of life such as, a child’s naming ceremony, initiation rights, agricultural activities, national ceremonies, war times, religious ceremonies and ceremonies for that dead.