Music of Sierra Leone: Kono Mende Farmers' Songs

Recorded by Stuart Leigh in Punduru, Sierra Leone in 1978, this intimate album is the result of an invitation into the home of Paramount Chief Tortor of Jaiama Nimiyema Chiefdom, Sewafe for the celebration of the Chief’s returning son. The dynamic songs tell of daily life, politics and religion through singing chants and rhythmic drums. Liner notes include detailed information on the Mende and the songs. Lyrics and some notation included.

Track Listing

101	Dear, Come, Let's Go to the Coffee Bush Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and singers from Sewafe village	03:25
102	Medley: I'm Going to the Marketplace - I'll Come Back / Please Don't Sleep - Dawn Is Just around the Corner / I'm Going to the Marketplace - I'll Come Back / Whom Are You Voting for? / The Electioneers Have Gone - They Have Gone Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and singers from Sewafe village	08:51
103	Song in the Kono Language Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and singers from Sewafe village	02:46
104	The Snail with the Soft Shell Konju Lalahun, Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and singers from Sewafe village	02:31
105	The Dancing Now Requires a Drink Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and singers from Sewafe village	04:16
201	Song of the Accusation of Witchcraft at Manjama Konju Lalahun, Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and singers from Sewafe village	05:39
202	Give Me the Chieftancy, Quick Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and singers from Sewafe village	02:26
203	Take Care of the Bundu Devil Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and singers from Sewafe village	02:05
204	All My Labors Have Been in Vain Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and singers from Sewafe village	02:03
205	I Have to Go Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and singers from Sewafe village	02:12
206	Excuse Us, Let Us Pass Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma, Maraima, Konju Lalahun, and other member of the village Sewafe	06:24