Mali: Songs and Music of the Griots CD

The griots represent the collective memory of Western Africa. At once musicians, historians, genealogists and praise-sayers, they pass on a very rich musical and oral tradition from father to son. Known in Mali as djeli, they often accompany themselves on the kora a magnificent 21-string plucked harp-lute, regarded as the most perfect African instrument of its type but also on the balafon (xylophone) or the djembe (type of drum). The Bambara language, spoken by two-thirds of the population, is a great vehicle for literature (epics, stories, songs and prayers). These songs, relating the events of life, are a symbol of African culture.

Lansine Kouyate, Mamoutou Mangala Camara, Sissokho Yakhouba Bourama

Tracks
1. Kelemagni
2. Famadinke
3. Sara Kankelinti
4. Mogosebeba
5. Toubaka
6. Dimbati Galant
7. Dolo Magni