Tigre is one of the nine recognized ethnic groups that make up Eritrea, the Eastern African country in the Horn of Africa. The music found amongst this tribe settled in the western and northern highlands of Eritrea with some parts of Sudan is the Tigre music.

Music is part of everyday life in Eritrea, including the Tigre people. Since the Tigre music revolves around their daily life, it finds a place in all the areas of life of its people … from the passage rites, communal celebrations, entertainment, politics, romance and to other aspects. It reflects the rich cultural heritage, identity, and traditions of the Tigre people. The music also serves as a bridge to their rich history, rituals and a good source of inspiration.

Despite the prominence of Tigre music in everyday life, its traditional forms were devoid of musical notations. Instead, the music was passed down orally from one generation to another, which is common to the earlier African music genres. The master teaches the music to his apprentices, who later graduate and pass on the same knowledge to their pupils.

Like many other traditional music forms, Tigre music style can vary based on the region, community, and artist. As a result, the rhythm composition in Tigre music exhibits an array of styles reflecting the cultural diversity and creativity of the Tigre people. Also, the rhythmic diversity of this music genre that involves syncopated and polyrhythms in a cyclic pattern, plays a part in the formation of this type of music. These rhythm patterns are created with instruments like the Kraar instrument (the five- or six-stringed Lyre), the Wata or Masenqo instrument (the one-string fiddle), percussive instruments like the drums and rattles, and sometimes the lute. These instruments all play a pivotal role in the music's unique and complex rhythmic structure. The drums and the rattle play the same rhythm pattern repetitively throughout the songs. Meanwhile, the drums often employ the addition of unexpected beats to make the rhythm more interesting.

Group performances in Tigre music are standard, likewise, the call-and-response patterns. Here, a lead singer makes a call (usually a musical phrase) while other choral members respond with a complementary phrase.

The traditional Tigre music is percussive -- membrane drums, gongs, rattles, and stringed instruments present in its ensembles. In more contemporary formations, Tigre music sometimes incorporates elements from other genres, including pop, jazz, and electronic music. Also, the introduction of modern instruments like saxophone and electric guitar and modern recording technologies have influenced today's Tigre music. Despite these new developments,  traditional instruments like the Masenqo and the drums remain constant, thus preserving the music's cultural legacy, the deep sense of pride and love of the Tigre people for their history, and the importance of it to the people.

In conclusion, Tigre music stands as a testament to the diversity and beauty of the Tigre culture and the evolution of Tigre music from the traditional to the more contemporary forms and the preservation of the traditional instruments in the genre shows the bridge between generations and shows the deep sense of pride among the Tigre people. In a world where traditions are often overshadowed, Tigre music remains a beacon of cultural pride and artistic brilliance, inviting listeners to explore the depths of its enchanting melodies and timeless narratives.

Tigre music is a unique and vibrant tradition that has been passed down for generations.

Tigre Music: Exploring the Rich Rhythms of Tigre people of Eritrea

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