This download is of the entire album of 10 songs. Samples of each song are below as well as availability to purchase individual downloads of each song.

A 15th Century classic created to grieve and remember the enslavement of men, women and children taken out of Africa to the Americas.

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Literally, "It is God's will." This song is part of a historical narrative of conflict involving two brothers in 1913. Rather than seek revenge against his younger brother, the eldest brother is quoted as having said, "It is only god's will that offers us true resolutions."

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A 15th Century classic created to grieve and remember the enslavement of men, women and children taken out of Africa to the Americas.

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

A Bambara word meaning “Refusal.” Bani praises those of noble character who refuse to compromise their principles.

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Mansané Cissé was an extremely rich man whose covetousness over material wealth brought his downfall. This folk song warns the powerful to be responsible and protect the weaker members of society.

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Lamba is a traditional piece celebrating the ancient craft of Jaliyaa. It is the only song in the griot’s repertoire sung in praise of themselves.

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Originally a 13th Century classic dedicated to the military hero Fakoli, Janjunba has evolved to acknowledge those who distinguish themselves through service and heroic deeds.

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A traditional 13th Century fasa (song of praise) created for Emperor Sunjata Keita who united the Empire of Mali during an intense period of social and political unrest.

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A song journaling the exploits of the mid 19th Century cleric and military leader who ruled a large kingdom that would have, today, encompassed portions of Guinea, Mali and Senegal.

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Kaïra means peace. This song was created in the early 1940’s. It has served as an inspiration for many contemporary songs in the repertoire of griots throughout West Africa.

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