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 Because of the influence of Islam, music has been
discouraged over the past several hundred years. There are a group
of artisans known as the "nyamakalaabe" who play flutes and sing
peoples praises for money. They are avoided by the religious leaders
because of the belief that their music is sensual. But it was not
always this way in the Fouta. The history of storytellers involves
music and the art was suppressed with the domination of Islam. The
man in the picture is holding a kelonru which is a type of guitar that was
traditionally used by the historian of the village. He would strum
it at intervals while recounting the story of his ancestors.
Traditional music still has a place in the Fulbe culture. The people
just needs a little help to find the right expression for
themselves. It is believed that if music could be written that gives
praise to God, then there would once again be an accepted place for music
in this culture. Recently, a team of ethnomusicologists came to Guinea to do research on the use of music in the Fouta Jalon. They met with a group of Fulbe followers of Christ to help them put the word of God to music in a fashion that would appeal to the Fulbe. As a result 13 original songs, mostly from the Psalms, were written. They have been met with of approval so far, and it is hoped that they will be a source of inspiration and joy throughout the region for years to come. |
