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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
Ibraahiima Arba, Haamidu Hamma
02:35
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102
Mahamuudu, Sumaana, Braahiima
03:15
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103
Aamadu-Burayma, Abdullay-Aamadu
02:08
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104
Mahamuudu, Hamma, Abdullaay
06:58
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105
Musicians playing flute and calabash
02:23
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106
Male singer, musicians playing flute and calabash, Téra Department, Niger
03:13
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107
Gadu (solo voice)
01:49
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108
Male singer, musicians playing flute and calabash, Téra Department, Niger
02:47
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109
Damii (solo voice, with small women's choir)
02:17
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110
Damii (solo voice, accompanied by three young women)
02:01
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111
Three women pounding millet, Téra Department, Niger
03:40
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112
Musicians playing flute and calabash, Téra Department, Niger
03:11
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113
Gadu
02:43
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114
Female singers and erikpe dancers, Kouandé, Benin
02:33