Boer music

Boeremusiek (Boer music) is a type of South African instrumental folk music. Its original intent was to be an accompaniment to social dancing at parties and festivals.

Boeremusiek is originally European, but once it was brought to South Africa, it gradually changed and became its own style. It is thought to have got to South Africa by British Empire military bands.

There is no one way to describe the original and unique sounds of Boeremusiek. Every artist or band comes up with their own recognizable sound and style. They come up with their own style by playing different types of concertinas and using different instruments in the band.

A concertina is similar to an accordion and is the lead instrument in most Boeremusiek bands. There are many different types of concertinas, which is why Boeremusiek has so many different unique sounds and styles, and the construction the concertina is what makes the different sounds in the Boeremusiek band. Depending on where the slots and holes are put makes the difference on the sound that the concertina makes.

Other instruments that might be in a Boeremusiek band would be piano accordions, button harmonicas, accordions, pianos, harmoniums and the guitar, and sometimes, a cello or bass guitar may be seen, too.

Also, the sound of a boeremusiek band might also depend on what region the band is from, seeing that Boermusiek’s intent is to be informal, instrumental dance music.

Today, there are many successful Boeremusiek bands that have recorded albums. Some famous bands and individual artists today include Verskillende Kunstenaars, Klipwerf Boereorkes, Danie Grey, Nico Carstens, Taffie Kikkilus, Brian Nieuwoudt, Samuel Petzer, Worsie Visser and Die Ghitaar Man.

References

* "What is Boermusic?" South African Traditional Boer Music. 29 Aug. 2006.