Culture, Central African Republic

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You're likely to hear modern African music on the radio, most of which comes from the two Congos. Some of its exponents have become world famous, and while traditional African music influenced the music of the USA, the Caribbean and Latin America, modern African music has in turn been influenced by jazz, rock and Latin rhythms. Traditional African music is not generally particularly accessible to the Western ear, and although it's full of complex rhythms and harmonies, it is not melodic and may sound as if very little is going on. The log xylophone is one of the most common instruments, and it consists of two long banana tree trunks supporting about five logs that are struck with sticks. The tiny sanza or thumb piano consists of a soundbox of wood with bamboo or metal keys played with the thumbs. If you encounter any pygmies you will probably hear some of their music, because they accompany all of their daily activities with music.
French is the official language, but Sango is the national language and is widely used on radio and in official situations. Sango is related to Lingala, one of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's main languages. There are pockets of Islam in the north, and Christians and animists are in roughly equal numbers throughout the country. Many Christians still maintain at least some animist practices, and because every ethnic group has its own religion there are hundreds of religions in the country. Good and bad magic and spirits play a significant role in local religions, and religious men can read fortunes, give advice on avoiding danger and hand out charms. Much of the life in CAR centres around special events like baptisms, weddings, village celebrations (fętes), funerals and holidays. There will usually be dancing at all of them except funerals.
Africans generally place great emphasis on clothing, and a trip to the CAR is a treat to see the quality of people's dress. Women often wear a loose top and a length of cloth (pagne) around the waist as a skirt. Men's casual clothes - which look like pyjamas - are in the same distinctively 'African' designs, but most of the cloth is imported from the Netherlands. The most authentic cloths are the handmade, designed fabrics, such as woodblock prints and batiks and tie-dyed cloths. Dress is normally conservative and shorts are frowned upon, and the standards are usually tougher for women than men.
In the villages and in African-style homes in the larger towns, people eat with their hands, although visitors will normally be offered a spoon. Always use your right hand, as the left is reserved for the toilet; you will cause significant offence if you do not observe this rule. The best African food you'll find will be in someone's home, but the second best is often on the streets. Generally, the more varied the ingredients the better, and variety is part of what makes the food so interesting. Many dishes are made with okra (gombo) which is very slimy, and because it's commonly used on the streets it's easy to get the impression that there's little else. Meals typically consist of a staple (rice, fermented cassava - another very sticky sensation - or bananas) with some kind of sauce.

Beer halls are everywhere, and beer is generally very good, although you may have to get used to drinking early in the day. Locals enjoy a drink, and alcoholism is a rising problem. Home brew is popular, and two of the most common drinks are palm wine and banana wine, usually sold in jugs along the roadside. Ginger beer is also widespread, as it is throughout most of Africa, although you should be wary of it as the water it is made with is often contaminated. More info on: www.zuji.com.sg

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