Listening to Music from Across the Globe

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of “world music”? Pygmies in Africa pounding on animal skins? Mariachi bands during Cinco de Mayo? The background music at your favorite Indian restaurant?

You have probably heard global rhythms on main stream radio waves where Latin, African and Caribbean grooves frequently intertwine with pop vocals and heavy guitars. Artists from Madonna to the Black Eyed Peas to P.O.D. draw from a global spice cupboard to add flare to their music. This isn’t a new phenomenon; rock greats Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, David Byrne and Sting have tapped global grooves and leading world musicians for their recordings for quite some time now.

Listening to music from other cultures and other continents serves to open one’s ears to new “flavors” of sound. The flavor metaphor works well as you can liken ethnic music to ethnic food with its variety of spices and variations. Also, like food, some global sounds grow on you quickly, while others are an acquired taste.

Why listen to music from other cultures?

First, God created all people in His image. God also blesses each person with a unique voice and with languages which can be used in song.

Second, music is used to communicate messages to an audience. These messages may address religion, family, community, politics, or any number of topics.

And last, by opening up our souls to the rich palette of global musical styles we also find ourselves open to the stories of people who live very different from us. And by opening our ears, we in turn open our eyes, hearts and minds to what is going on in the world around us.