Crafting a “Djembe”
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** Local crafstman working on an authentic “Djembe” in the artistic district in Bamako (Artisanat)
*** According to the Bamanan people in Mali, the word “Djembe” comes directly from the saying “Anke dje, anke be” which literally translates to “everyone gather together” and defines the drum’s purpose.
The instrument is originally associated with a class of Mandinka/Susu blacksmiths known as the Numu. The widespread precence of the instrument throughout West Africa is thought to be due to Numu migrations within the region, in the early part of the first millennium A.D.
“Diaraby” by Ali Farka Toure
“Diaraby” is another song that cements the status of Ali Farka and Ry Cooder’s “Talking Timbuktu” as a classic recording. The 1994 album propelled Mali’s leading guitarist onto the international limelight while at the same time providing a sort of confirmation that Blues music most likely originated from West Africa and reached American shores via slaves who brought their oral traditions with them.
The genre commonly employs the “call and response” technique (often between vocals and a guitar), which is a typically African musical feature. It is unfortunate that the recording industry often refuses to categorize this type of music as “Blues” and instead opts to give it the generic “World Music” tag, which doesn’t really mean anything if you ask me……Politics….Politics.
The interplay between the two guitars is beautifully offset by the rhythm created by the percussive instrument. The vocals tell the story of a couple fighting to overcome obstacles to their love, the biggest of which seems to be their respective families (and yes I do speak the language).
R.I.P King Toure. You are forever.
Title: Diaraby
Artist: Ali Farka Toure and Ry Cooder
Album: Talking Timbuktu, 1994
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Loading ...“Kaira” by Toumani Diabate
The Kora is one of West Africa’s most beautiful gifts to the world. Its 21 strings attached to a calabash make it look like a Harp, but its sound has so much more soul…so much more depth.
Toumani Diabate is the son of Mali’s original Kora “King”, Sidiki Diabate who recorded the first ever full-length Kora album in 1970. Toumani followed his father’s footsteps and took them even further with his first album “Kaira” which was recorded in London and released internationally in 1988.
The fact that the entire “Kaira” album was recorded in just one afternoon takes nothing away from its quality and in my opinion, just adds to its magic. Inspiration and improvisation are necessary ingredients when making timeless music.
I don’t love the Kora just because of its sound but also because of what it symbolizes: the artist, his instrument, his skill and the spiritual presence of our ancestors passing down stories, wisdom and what it means to be who we are.
I’m immensely proud to have any sort of connection to this.
Enjoy.
Title: Kaira
Artist: Toumani Diabate
Album: Kaira, 1988
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Loading ...“Folon” by Salif Keita
‘Folon’ is the bambara word for “the past”.
If Ali Farka Toure was Mali’s lead guitarist, Salif Keita is definitely the country’s lead singer.
The lyrics celebrate Mali’s adoption of democracy, after 23 years of military dictatorship that ended in 1991. The song is meant to encourage the country in its efforts to remain on the path of democracy and of respect for civil liberties.
Driven by a typically ‘Mandingue‘ melody on an acoustic guitar and by Salif Keita’s majestic vocals, ‘Folon’ attempts to heal a nation’s old wounds by highlighting how much progress has been made since the days of oppression.
Title: Folon
Artist: Salif Keita
Album: Folon, 2007
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Rice Fields in Kokry, Cercle of Macina, Region of Segou – Mali
Ssidy is what my friends call me. I was born in Senegal of Malian parents (hence my Mali nationality). I grew up all over the place…Bamako, London, Accra, Cape Town, before I went to college in Miami and finally got a job in Sydney where I’ve been living since August 2008.
When I’m not working on The Timbuktu Project, or as a financial analyst (full-time), you can usually catch me somewhere on a football pitch or involved in anything music related. Music is everything to me. Whatever mood I am in, there is always a song that captures the moment perfectly. Anyone who has spent more than 10 minutes around me will probably attest to this: I listen to all types of stuff.....possibly because no single genre holds enough songs to quench that musical thirst of mine... 