Ethnic music

             Ethnic music is one of the oldest styles in music. Other official name is- music of peoples of the world, indigenous music (from English World music). The term appeared in the 60th years of the last century, and the ethnic style was widely distributed in the 70th-80th years of the 20th century. Ethnic music is associated with folk and traditions of different countries. The brightest representatives are the following styles: Celtic music (+ modern arrangement of traditional Irish songs), reggae (motherland- Jamaica), Indian, African motifs. In a word, all classical not European music, composed for a long historical period, belongs to ethnic music. Sometimes, the experts consider western music to belong to ethnic style, if the elements of Latin American and Indian motifs are presented in it. So, in some sources, Shakira’s oeuvre is called modern ethnic music with pop and rock arrangement. The ethnic music of Ancient Russ is placed in strong relief.

             Main and sometimes the most important element of this music style is utilization of original traditional instruments such as djembe, djidjeridu, darbuka, sitar and drums, which are unique for each region. So, we can mark out frame drums (Bodhran, Dayereh, Doira,) goblet drums (Dumbelek, Taiko, Tarambuka), cylindrical drums and kettledrum.

             The style of ethnic music is so unique, that it is not possible to compare it with any other style of music. Rock and pop performers constantly use the main methods of ethno music. World beat and ethno-pop- are the modern styles in ethnic music. New mixes of samba, rumba, cha-cha-cha, lambada and of course traditional Cuban dances belong to ethnic pop.  Ethnic fusion has also been widely distributed. Very few people know that world-known bands Enigma and Deep Forest write their songs in this style. Ethno-techno is placed in strong relief. Some experts call this style destructive, because his methods (constant repetition of the same times) provoke trance, ecstasy, and in special cases hysteria attacks. The motifs of ritual singing and modern electronic arrangement have a huge influence on human mind that is why in some countries this style is officially forbidden.
             As many music styles, ethnic music can’t be without improvisation and so-called “combination of incongruous”. Most often, it’s a mixу of jazz and folk songs, it‘s characterized by arrhythmic form of music line and dissonances. This style was called world fusion.
The world of ethnic music is fascinating, first of all by its diversity. Musicians prefer to work     in this style, because ethnic music allows realizing the most ambitious ideas. In this style, there are no defined canons of composition form, it is possible to use disharmonious sounding, rhythm and melody disturbance, which is not allowed in pop style.  

 
            Some of performers of ethnic music have already become classics of world heritage. Bob Marley is one of them – performer in reggae style. The style appeared in Jamaica, became popular in Europe. Nowadays reggae is rapidly developing in Russia also.
Also Bjork's oeuvre belongs to ethnic style. Music lovers and critics notice that her songs are full of genuine beauty of folk music in a modern arrangement as well as a deep sense, attracting music lovers from all over the world.