Which of the following lists are examples of African musical instruments?

• A. Congas, Rattles, Thumb Pianos, Claves
• B. Piano, Violin, Flute, Trumpet
• C. Guitar, Harp, Saxophone, Drum Set
• D. Oboe, Bassoon, Timpani, Harpsichord

Answer: (A)

This question tests your ability to recognize instruments commonly linked to African musical traditions, especially percussion and related sound producers. Congas, rattles, thumb pianos (mbira/kalimba), and claves represent a mix of rhythm-driven and portable instruments that are widely found in African and Afro-diasporic contexts, illustrating how rhythm and timbre form the core of many African musical expressions. In contrast, the other lists are dominated by instruments traditional to Western classical or modern Western-influenced music—pianos, violins, flutes, trumpets; guitars, harps, saxophones, drum sets; and oboes, bassoons, timpani, harpsichords. These are common in classical or Western popular music settings rather than the African instrumental repertoire.