What Difference Does it Make?

Growing up  I listened to the native songs of Sierra Leone. My parents made a strong effort for my brothers and I to understand and identify with the music of our country. I think it is very important for us to think as music as form of communication. Everyone in their own way can define what music means to them. Music is another part of history in which the lyrics of the songs express that moment in time. Being in the class has allowed me to appreciate the songs of my culture; and the songs and genres that shaped African-American history today.  It does make difference to understand where music lies within our history. The genres that we discuss about in class are a way for us to key in to the emotions and events that surrounded artists during each specific time period.