Play is prevalent in several African cultures and the broader African setting, where we often see components of play when individuals participate in music and dance activities. In children's culture, there are three forms of play: tradition, open, and unique play. learners benefit greatly from engaging in teaching and learning activities that incorporated play concepts because they can develop holistically through participation in authentic, meaningful activities. learners develop cognitively by gaining problem- solving abilities and learning about cause and effect while also experiencing cognitive growth through play in the foundation period.

Characteristics of musical play 

-Play is active

-Play is personally motivated

-Play is often nonliteral

-Players supply meaning to the play 

-Play has no extrinsic rules

-Play has no extrinsic goals

-Play in the classroom has several important contributions.

-play provides an emotional outlet within the sense of belonging.

-A sense of belonging and cohesion are enforced.

-Musical play gives the child the opportunities to undergo an imaginative transformation.

-Group and individual disciples are created in a friendly playful environment.

Elements of play

-Play reinforces societal roles,

-Play creates informal space for for socio- historical comment

-Play involves a state of mind and disposition

-Play involves a process, attitude, and structure

-Play voluntary and unifying, forming part of the socialising process

learning and playing music emphasis 

- Music encourages learners to express themselves more freely by helping them to connect with their emotions.

- Determination; mastering a difficult piece of music gives learners a sense of accomplishment and motivates them to try harder things, enhanced coordination> learners motors abilities improve as they play and dance to music.

- Making music with others helps children develop their social and emotional skills.