Vol 12. Africa: The Mali Epic of Son-Jara: Music
Toolongjong
West Africa has a long tradition of griots or jalis, musician-historians who keep track of the histories of their villages, including genealogies, in song. They are often hired today to compose songs for births, weddings, and funerals. "Toolongjong,"performed here by Alhaji Fabala Kanuteh, one of two official singers employed by the president of Gambia, tells of the first encounter between the people of the Gambia River area and Portuguese slave traders in the early 1600s.
Yoruba Song
The Yoruba of Nigeria are one of the largest African tribes; among them, as among many African peoples, music is an integral part of everyday life. This song shows an Arabic influence. The instruments are male voices, a harp/lyre, rhythm sticks/handclapping, and a drum.