Which is an element of Arabic influence in North African music?

• A. Gregorian chant
• B. Quranic chant, poetry/harp/lute playing, and instruments such as the gimbri, drums, and metal castanets
• C. Blues progression
• D. Indian raga

Answer: (B)

Arabic influence in North African music shows up in religious and poetic elements tied to Arabic culture and in traditional instruments associated with the region. Quranic chant reflects the Arabic liturgical recitation tradition, while poetry with accompaniment on instruments like the harp or lute connects to classical Arab musical aesthetics. The gimbri, a three-stringed instrument, along with drums and metal castanets, provides the distinctive timbre and groove found in many North African sounds shaped by Arabic influence. In contrast, Gregorian chant comes from Western Europe, the blues progression from American blues roots, and the Indian raga from South Asian classical music—so they don’t reflect Arabic influence in North Africa.