Folk Music of the Western Congo

Folk Music of the Western Congo presents music from the Bantu-speaking tribes of Western Congo. Included is a Bambala litigation proceeding, which requires litigants to both speak and sing their case to the village chief. One litigant says, “Let us debate the things, but slowly, slowly….” He then sings: “I am like the dog that stays before the door until he gets a bone.” Also featured are examples of Bambala talking drums, Bapende xylophone, and children’s songs from the Bapende and Bakwesi communities. Liner notes include track descriptions and pictures of the musicians.