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June 22, 2005
Another face of Africa
“In rich countries, when they show Africa, they show the face of AIDS, of poverty, of bad things – like war. Africa has another face – a positive face. This face we bring - of colour and joy and things like this.” (Youssou N’dour)
The programme “The African Rock n roll years” was good last night. I was disappointed that actually very little time was given to the purely traditional griot music, which was the foundation for all subsequent developments. There was however a guy playing the very same style of three-stringed guitar, or hoddu, that I have propped up by the fireplace in front of me as I type this. Nice to see it played well. I can’t do anything with it.
The traditional Malian and Senegalese music styles, instruments, and culture have blended with Cuban musical influence and western instruments. This has produced a music that is so dynamic, innovative, and lyrical compared with so much of the soulless, sexual, and image-driven, mass-produced mush that fills our MP3 players. It’s also very different from the energetic, bottom-wiggling stuff coming out of the Ivory Coast.
It is a music that seems to have retained some of the richness of African culture and social values. It’s a shame they didn’t translate more of the songs, but those they did seemed also to speak of a wider social awareness than is typical of the Top Twenty (Nelson Mandela, forced marriage, AIDS, the West African tea ceremony…). An encouraging number of the singers shown seem to have a social conscience, and many have returned to their West African homes from France where they have had to go to get access to the technology for production.
To hear a taste of Senegalese Fulani Baaba Maal singing, go and watch the video of “Mi yeewnii”. Great stuff.
Update: The BBC are in the middle of a bit of a focus on Africa at the moment with "Africa lives on the BBC" There is some interesting stuff out there. I obviously don't watch enough TV, as this crept up on me without me realising it was there.
Posted by Keith at June 22, 2005 08:31 AM
Comments
Oh, Keith, that music was great. My video wasn't coming through so good, but when I saw the water I wanted to jump right in! Thanks for sharing that. I forgot to tell you my first short term mission trip begins this weekend. I'm following Jesus to Alaska for ten days to continue the relationships that have been growing with the Native Americans there. God bless you.
Posted by: Paula at June 23, 2005 02:00 AM
Great, Paula. Thanks for your regular encouragements. God bless you on your trip to Alaska.
Posted by: Keith at June 23, 2005 08:51 AM
