In review--Groovin' to n'goni
Sibiri Samakè Bamana Hunter Music Dambe Foli System Krush Every traditional culture has its healing plants, magic, and sacred music. The Donso (hunter) of Mali is no exception. Finding roots in the ancient Mande Kingdom of West Africa, the Donso once were in service to the Great Mande King Sunjata Keita, who you hear about a lot in the traditional music and history of Mali. The Donso served as soldiers for the king, along with providing spiritual healing and nourishment to their communities. True the traditional songs, sung in their original language, that appear on Dambe Foli possess a trance and ritualistic aura. While the liner notes supply me with information about each of the song-sets, I can barely read the font in which the information appears. From what I can glean the album contains praise songs (not uncommon with traditional Malian music), protection spells, and ceremonial songs. The Donso n’goni (not to be conf...