1. African instruments employ polyphony. This happens when there is continuous combination of different instruments that produce different rhythms that are independent.

2. African instruments employ repetition. This occurs when one rhythm is played over and over and might be throughout the whole performance. The rhythm that is played over and over.

3. African instruments have timbre. Timbre is the quality of sound produced. Different African instruments produce different quality of sound. No African instrument has the same timbre as the other.

4. African instruments have pitch. Pitch  is the degree of highness or lowness of tone. Some instruments may employ high pitch while others employ a low pitch.

5. African instruments are used as accompaniment for African music and dances. They add life to African music and make it more enjoyable.