Makan Badjé Tounkara: Sodjan CD

Makan Badjé Tounkara is a griot, and the grandson of the great Djeli Baba Sissoko (1922–2001), who was acknowledged by his peers as the “leader of Malian Jalis” in the 1990s. Badjé has been pursuing a rich career, notably alongside such renowned artists as Salif Keïta, Baba Maal, Ami Koïta, Tata Bambo, Kandia Kouyaté, and his aunt Mah Damba, with whom he has recorded two albums. He is also at the origin of an instrumental innovation: he has added three strings to his ngoni. Traditionally equipped with four strings, this lute of the jalis is to be found under diverse names (koni, kontigo, gambare) and with slight variations among all Mande peoples.

Featured Artists
Makan Badjié Tounkara: n’goni, vocals
Yacouba Sissoko: n’goni
Modi Tounkara: n’goni
Modibo Diabaté: flè gourd, krin scraper
Mamadou Tounkara: tama armpit drum
Djifili: djembé drum
Djélini Kouyaté: vocals
Nanou Coulibaly: vocals
Djuiby Kanouté: vocals
Gedon Diarra: vocals
Adama Diabaté: vocals

Track Listing
Sodjan (Tall Horse)
A yé wili (Get Up)
Kakolo (Kakolo People)
Kanda (May God Let Us Be Together)
Massaya (The King)
N’goni Kan (The Song of the N’goni)
N’ganou
Sabou (Fate)
Tata
Togna (Truth)