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, Maraima, and other member of the village Sewafe	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, Maraima, and other member of the village Sewafe	08:51
103	Song in the Kono Language	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma, Maraima, and other member of the village Sewafe	02:46
104	The Snail with the Soft Shell	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma, Maraima, and other member of the village Sewafe	02:31
105	The Dancing Now Requires a Drink	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma, Maraima, and other member of the village Sewafe	04:16
201	Song of the Accusation of Witchcraft at Manjama	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma, Maraima, and other member of the village Sewafe	05:39
202	Give Me the Chieftancy, Quick	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma, Maraima, and other member of the village Sewafe	02:26
203	Take Care of the Bundu Devil	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma, Maraima, and other member of the village Sewafe	02:05
204	All My Labors Have Been in Vain	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma, Maraima, and other member of the village Sewafe	02:03
205	I Have to Go	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma, Maraima, and other member of the village Sewafe	02:12
206	Excuse Us, Let Us Pass	Njeva, Maraima, Ms. Njuveh, Madiye, Natoma, Maraima, and other member of the village Sewafe	06:24