In America and Europe, we keep rediscovering the inexhaustibly deep musical traditions of Africa as artists from all over the world are refreshed and inspired by them. Audiences at the Cabrillo Festival recently heard Derek Bermel’s Dust Dances, the Kronos Quartet kicked off the celebration of its 40th anniversary with a tribute to Fela Kuti at Lincoln Center — and, of course, there are the musicals and films of Fela! and The Lion King, as well as Paul Simon’s pathbreaking album Graceland, among others. Here’s our late-summer introduction to a few of Africa’s beautiful musical traditions.
- Mbube (The Lion Sleeps Tonight) (Solomon Linda) Ladysmith Black Mambazo
This song has a longer history than its classic 60s pop incarnation, through which it has become known worldwide. The famous men’s choir Ladysmith Black Mambazo emphasize the low, droning chant that is the real source of the song’s power. - Sorrow, Tears, and Blood Fela Kuti.
Nigerian rocker Fela was one interesting and powerful musician: a founder of Afro-Beat rock, human rights activist, and generally outspoken, political figure. - Escalay (Water Wheel) (Hamza El Din) Kronos Quartet (with Hamza El Din), Pieces of Africa.
Hamza El Din was a Nubian oud player (the oud is a cousin of the lute). Kronos chose one of his most famous pieces to cover on their African album, which remains one of the quartet’s most popular. - Mbira (Kevin Volans)
Minimalism, a now worldwide musical movement or ethos, traces at least part of its genesis back to African drumming. South African composer Kevin Volans, then, is taking the style home, in a sense, with this piece. The mbira is an African instrument with staggered keys that vibrate when you press and release them. They are usually attached to a resonating box. - “Moon Dance” from the soundtrack to The Corpse Bride.
Here’s another Danny Elfman tune, in quite a different mood. - Kandjoura by Toumani Diabate
Diabate is easily the most famous kora player in the world, and probably the most famous Malian musician period. He plays a stringed instrument whose body is made from a large, hollowed-out gourd. And his birthday just passed last week. - Niamokono (The Princess) by Ablaye Cissoko
Cissoko is a griot, a Senegalese specialist in story songs, history, and folklore. He also plays the kora. At the end of this song, you can hear the children he’s singing to begin to repeat back parts of the song. - Amazing Grace, Soweto Gospel Choir
This famous hymn gets the gospel treatment from one of Africa’s most celebrated choirs.