1. Diverse Origins: Africa is a vast continent with diverse cultures, languages, and musical traditions. The influence of outside cultures varied greatly from region to region.
2. Long History: The influence of Romans and Arab tribes on African music is largely confined to specific regions and periods. It's important to acknowledge the indigenous musical traditions that predate these influences by centuries, even millennia.
3. Two-Way Influence: While African music was influenced by outsiders, African music also influenced the music of other cultures. For example, Arab music absorbed many influences from North Africa.
4. Constant Evolution: Music is a living entity. Throughout history, African music has evolved not only through outside influences but also through internal development and innovation.
5. More Than Just Influence: It's not simply a case of "influence." There are complex processes of cultural exchange, adaptation, and syncretism. Music serves as a powerful means of cultural expression, identity, and communication.
Instead of simply saying "influenced," it's more accurate to say:
* "African music has a rich and varied history, shaped by a blend of indigenous traditions, as well as influences from various external cultures."
* "The music of different African regions has been shaped by unique historical interactions and cultural exchanges."
It's vital to approach the study of African music with an understanding of its rich and complex history, recognizing the diverse and dynamic nature of its traditions.