African

American History through the Eyes of Four Female, African American Banjo Players: Our Native Daughters

Songs from Our Native Daughters is American history told with dignity, grace and tenderness.

For Black History Month 2021, I was more intentional than I normally am to listen to the voices of black people in America and to learn a little black history.

I have appreciated the voices of many people, including Rhiannon Giddens, formerly of the musical group, Carolina Chocolate Drop. Throughout Black History Month, she posted many biographies, and I followed her daily posts during the month.

The Black origins of the banjo in country music

Beyoncé's surprise new country album has kicked open the saloon doors to a new audience.

African Origins of the Banjo: Part One of the West Virginia Instrument Anthology

Anthology Introduction

Basic Akonting playing by Daniel Jatta

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Bernard Diedhiou - Akonting player, West Africa, Music of Senegal

Bernard Diedhiou is a Jola akonting player from the Kognout region of Casamance, who lives with his family in Saly, Senegal. Here we meet with him in the neighbouring town of Somone, where he played songs for us both solo and along with his group “Kadjamour”.

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Lauren discusses and plays the buchundu 7 23 08MPG

The buchundo is an instrument similar to the akonting (ekonting) played by the Manjago people of Senegal and Gambia. Lauren discusses the buchundu and answers questions from Chuck Levy and Greg C. Adams.

The right hand used to play the buchundu is different from the motion used by the Jola akonting players. The Jola right hadn techniques is nearly indentical to minstrel/stroke style and clawhammer.

Read more about Lauren discusses and plays the buchundu 7 23 08MPG

Watcha plays "Basungouté" - Jola akonting music from Senegal

Watcha plays the song Basungouté. The akonting (or ekonting) is a folk lute of the Jola people. Filmed by George Smerin in Kafountine, Senegal 2018.

https://www.smerin.com

Read more about Watcha plays "Basungouté" - Jola akonting music from Senegal

Daniel Jatta Plays an Akonting Tune Written by his Father

Daniel Laemouahuma Jatta plays an akonting (ekonting) song composed by his father.

The akonting is an instrument of the Jola people of Senegal and Gambia. Daniel's right-hand technique is of particular interest.

The Jola of the Cassamance region of southern Senegal have named this downstroke technique "o'teck", meaning "to strike". O'teck is virtually identical to the first banjo style documented, "stroke style", and to the contemporary style known as clawhammer or frailing.