<P> The traditional music of Africa, given the vastness of the continent, is historically ancient, rich and diverse, with different regions and nations of Africa having many distinct musical traditions . Music in Africa is very important when it comes to religion . Songs and music are used in rituals and religious ceremonies, to pass down stories from generation to generation, as well as to sing and dance to . </P> <P> Traditional music in most of the continent is passed down orally (or aurally) and is not written . In Sub-Saharan African music traditions, it frequently relies on percussion instruments of every variety, including xylophones, djembes, drums, and tone - producing instruments such as the mbira or "thumb piano ." </P>

Which musical element is not common to african music