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Niger / Northern Benin: Music of the Fulani

Various Artists
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

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101
Keree Di Baaba Tooto (Verses in honor of Father Tooto) Ibraahiima Arba, Haamidu Hamma 02:35
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102
Asaru Na War E Maa Mahamuudu, Sumaana, Braahiima 03:15
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103
Malleeri Aamadu-Burayma, Abdullay-Aamadu 02:08
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104
Pakapaka (a, b, c, d) Mahamuudu, Hamma, Abdullaay 06:58
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105
Araabo (In the Arabian manner) n/a 02:23
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106
Kompule n/a 03:13
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107
Flagellation Song Gadu 01:49
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108
Bule Toko n/a 02:47
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109
Lalle Damii 02:17
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110
Ere Ere Damii 02:01
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111
Pounding Millet n/a 03:40
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112
Bunyon n/a 03:11
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113
Four Flagellation Songs (a, b, c, d) Gadu 02:43
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114
Asibu n/a 02:33