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 others, 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" /"Whom Are You Voting for?" / "The Electioneers Have Gone/ They Have Gone"	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and others, Sewafe village	08:51
103	Song in the Kono Language	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and others, Sewafe village	02:46
104	The Snail with the Soft Shell	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma, Konju Lalahun and others, Sewafe village	02:31
105	The Dancing Now Requires a Drink	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and others, Sewafe village	04:16
201	Song of the Accusation of Witchcraft at Manjama	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma, Konju Lalahun and others, Sewafe village	05:39
202	Give Me the Chieftancy, Quick	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and others, Sewafe village	02:26
203	Take Care of the Bundu Devil	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and others, Sewafe village	02:05
204	All My Labors Have Been in Vain	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and others, Sewafe village	02:03
205	I Have to Go	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma and others, 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