The African Origins of Jazz

There has been much debate over the African origins of jazz, and the influence that these have had on jazz. I am intending to focus this essay on how African culture, traditions and music have influenced jazz, and how they came to form the roots and basis of jazz. These following two quotes show the importance of Africa on the beginnings of Jazz.

‘A thorough treatment of jazz as music not only deals with the American Negro
but goes all the way back to Africa’

‘African music is the key that unlocks the secrets of jazz. For jazz, regardless of
the origins of its melodies, is a manner of playing derived directly from the music
of the West African Coast.’

Jazz is a result of many combinations of cultures and influences and can be said to be the urban voice of the black culture. It can also be said that jazz is a product of a peculiarly black voice in a peculiarly white context (western harmony). This point could be furt...