Ears of the People is a collection of sublime contemporary recordings of the ekonting, a three-stringed gourd lute played by Jola people in Gambia and the Casamance region of Senegal. The nine tradition-bearers featured on the album share stories of love, heartache, conflict, spirituality, and all that is unique and beautiful in Jola culture over the rolling lilt of the instrument. An important forebear of the American banjo, the ekonting drives lively dancing and brings these stories to life. These songs, rarely heard outside Senegambia, are a living tapestry of the Jola people and a unique interweaving of human voices and stringed instruments.

Tracklist:

Watu Eriring Bee Kaolo
Ami Kolle / Salymane / Alassane
Mamba Sambou
Colobane Yolooli
Diego
Elenbeja
Bapaalaay
Aline Sitoe
Sijam Bukan
Kunaare Kati Gambi
Aduna Esore
Adiatta Ubonketom
Ajeme
Celestine
Aliinom
Koriye
Ahan Bokin
Asum Bunuk
Kanyalen Rosalie
Aguene Diambone
Aliinom (Ballanta)
Asunge
Inje Mama Oomei?
Madu
Ayinga BaÃ±iil Dane Dibuke Ban

UPC: 093074060025
Label: Smithsonian Folkways
Release Date: 2.3.23
Format: CD

Ears Of The People: Ekonting Songs From Senegal - Ears Of The People: Ekonting Songs From Senegal (CD)