Wolof Music of Senegal and the Gambia

Not surprising, given the proximity of the Wolof homeland to Saharan caravan routes, Wolof music is an intermingling of native West African styles with those of Muslim North Africa. Percussion instruments are featured prominently in Wolof music, as is the xalam, believed to be the grandfather of the American banjo. Tracks include songs of praise, wedding songs, and dance rhythms. Liner notes feature photographs of Wolof musicians as well as descriptions of instruments and songs.

Track Listing

101	Secular Praise Song Four young Wolof women with hand-clapping and gourd drum	02:24
102	Wedding Dance Music Drummers and female singers at Wolof wedding celebration	02:39
103	Samba Gilajagi (Folk Story) Wolof géwël (griot) playing xalam	05:49
104	Dance Rhythms (1) Wolof géwël (griot) with tama and gorong drums, dancers	02:16
105	Tara (Traditional Song) Two Wolof géwëls (griots) playing xalam	08:01
201	Dance Rhythms (2) Wolof géwël (griot) with tama and gorong drums, dancers	02:36
202	Ndei Kumba ("Mother Petticoat") Wolof géwël (griot) with chorus of young women and girls	03:36
203	Dance Music for Naming Ceremony (Gajo) Drummers and celebrants at a Wolof naming ceremony	02:36
204	Hasida (Hymns) Mouride disciples	04:27
205	Manka Yira (Praise Song) Wolof géwël (griot) playing xalam	03:00