Niger / Northern Benin: Music of the Fulani

The Fulani are a very large, predominantly Muslim group of people living in communities scattered across Sub-Saharan Africa with the largest concentration in present-day Nigeria. Despite the distances between them and influences of their diverse local circumstances, the Fulani share a number of customs, with close similarities in language, crafts, and music. According to ethnomusicologist Simha Arom, the role of music in Fulani society is one of art whose primary purpose is to give pleasure and provide entertainment. This collection of field recordings made by Arom presents the music of the Fulani living in Niger and Benin (formerly Dahomey). The musical instruments vary slightly between regions, but they are always portable; the Fulani are nomadic. A millet stalk flute and a calabash gourd is the most common instrumental pairing in their music; however, this album also contains examples of the lute, reed pipe, and Jew’s harp.

Track Listing

101	Keree Di Baaba Tooto (Verses in Honor of Father Tooto)	Ibraahiima Arba, Haamidu Hamma	02:35
102	Asaru Na War E Maa	Mahamuudu, Sumaana, Braahiima	03:15
103	Malleeri	Aamadu-Burayma, Abdullay-Aamadu	02:08
104	Pakapaka (a, b, c, d)	Mahamuudu, Hamma, Abdullaay	06:58
105	Araabo (In the Arabian Manner)	Musicians playing flute and calabash	02:23
106	Kompule	Man singing with flute and calabash accompaniment	03:13
107	Flagellation Song	Gadu (solo voice)	01:49
108	Bule Toko	Man singing with flute and calabash accompaniment	02:47
109	Lalle	Damii (solo voice, with small women's choir)	02:17
110	Ere Ere	Damii (solo voice, accompanied by three young women)	02:01
111	Pounding Millet	Three women pounding millet with mortar and pestle	03:40
112	Bunyon	Dancers accompanied by flute and calabash	03:11
113	Four Flagellation Songs (a, b, c, d)	Gadu	02:43
114	Asibu	Women singing to accompany erikpe dance	02:33