What is it called when African music utilizes the human body to create sound through actions like clapping and slapping?

The term for utilizing the human body to create sound through actions such as clapping and slapping is called body percussion. This practice is fundamental in many African music traditions, where performers create rhythmic patterns using various parts of their bodies, effectively turning themselves into instruments. Body percussion not only serves as a form of musical expression but also engages the performer and enhances the communal experience of music-making.

While vocalization refers to the use of the voice to produce sounds, it does not encompass the physical aspect of creating rhythm through body movements. Body drumming, although related, is typically a more specific type of rhythm-making that involves using the hands or fists on the body as an instrument, but it doesn't necessarily include actions like clapping. Rhythm playing can be a broader term that encompasses various forms of rhythm-making, but it may not specifically highlight the unique aspect of using the body as a sound-producing tool, which is essential in the context of African music traditions.