* Use of call and response: This is a vocal technique in which one person sings a phrase and the others respond with a related phrase. It is common in both African music and R&B.
* Syncopated rhythms: Both African music and R&B often feature syncopated rhythms, which means the beats are not evenly spaced. This gives the music a more complex and interesting sound.
* Improvisation: Both African music and R&B feature a lot of improvisation, which means the musicians make up the music as they go along. This gives the music a more spontaneous and creative feel.
* Use of pentatonic scales: Pentatonic scales are scales that consist of five notes. They are common in both African music and R&B.
* Influence of African music on R&B: R&B music has been heavily influenced by African music. Many of the rhythms, melodies, and vocal techniques used in R&B can be traced back to African music.
Here are some specific examples of how African music has influenced R&B:
* The use of call and response in R&B: The call and response vocal technique is one of the most distinctive features of African music. It has been used in R&B music since the early days of the genre. Some famous examples of R&B songs that use call and response include "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder, "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" by Marvin Gaye, and "My Girl" by The Temptations.
* The use of syncopated rhythms in R&B: Syncopated rhythms are another feature of African music that has been adopted by R&B music. Some famous examples of R&B songs that use syncopated rhythms include "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson, "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen, and "Crazy in Love" by Beyoncé.
* The use of improvisation in R&B: Improvisation is a major part of African music. It has also been adopted by R&B music. Some famous examples of R&B songs that feature improvisation include "So What" by Miles Davis, "All Blues" by John Coltrane, and "Freedom" by Herbie Hancock.