The diversity of African musical traditions is mirrored by the continent's vast array of stringed instruments, which serve roles far beyond mere entertainment. These instruments are integral to preserving oral histories, genealogies, and religious practices. African stringed instruments can be broadly categorized into three main groups: bowed instruments, plucked instruments, and beaten instruments. 1. Bowed Instruments Bowed stringed instruments are played with a bow and include various fiddles and violins. One of the most notable examples is the "orutu", prevalent across Africa. Among its many forms, the "goje", also known as the “Hausa Violin,” is particularly significant in the Sahel and Sudan regions. This one or two-stringed fiddle has deep cultural ties to pre-Islamic rituals. The "orutu", traditionally reserved for men in Western Kenya, and its variants showcase the cultural richness and ritualistic significance of bowed instruments in African music. 2. Plucked Instruments Plucked stringed instruments come in various forms and are categorized into harps, lutes, zithers, harp-lutes, and harp-zithers: Lutes: Lutes are widespread in Africa, with notable examples including the "krar", a five- or six-stringed bowl-shaped lyre tuned to a pentatonic scale. This instrument remains integral to storytelling traditions in northeastern Africa. Lyres: Lyres, like the krar, are especially common in northeastern Africa. They come in both traditional and modernized forms, reflecting their versatility and enduring significance in cultural practices. Zithers: Unlike lutes, zithers do not have a neck. They are most commonly found in Madagascar, where the "valiha" is a prime example. The valiha, a tube zither with 21 or 24 strings made from unwound bicycle brake cables, is celebrated as a national instrument and highlights the intricate craftsmanship involved. 3. Beaten Instruments Beaten stringed instruments include those played by striking or tapping: Musical Bows: These are typically single-stringed instruments played with a stick or other implement. They are used in various African cultures and serve both musical and ritualistic purposes. Earth-Bows: These instruments are a variant of musical bows, often associated with specific traditional practices and ceremonies. Social and Cultural Context African stringed instruments often play crucial social roles. For instance, certain instruments are reserved for specific genders, ages, or social statuses. In Western Kenya, the orutu is traditionally played only by men, while in Mauritania, the ardine is exclusively played by women among the Moorish griots. This division highlights the cultural and social significance of these instruments. However, the evolution of music continues to shape these traditions. In Kenya, Labdi Ommes has introduced the orutu to modern audiences by blending it with electronic music and jazz, demonstrating the instrument's adaptability and relevance in contemporary contexts. Similarly, ancient stringed instruments are being rediscovered and modernized, ensuring their place in today's diverse musical landscape. This ongoing evolution underscores the vitality and resilience of African musical traditions, showcasing how traditional instruments continue to adapt and thrive in the global musical arena.