In group singing, some societies sing in unison. There are many types of instruments used in African music. Rattles, bells, standing tubes, the xylophone, and the thumb piano are popular. Many types of drums covered in parchment are found. Different wind instruments used are flutes out of bamboo, and animal horns.
Body percussion is very popular especially hand clapping and foot stamping.
Gourds are played with dried roots and shells attached to make noise when shaken. Many of the women dance and play the gourds when their friends get married. Although traditional music and dance is still practiced, it is decreasing because of urbanization. Preservation of traditional music is given special attention in many of the countries because of its historical, political and cultural importance.