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 Wolof female singers from Gewel	02:24
102	Wedding Dance Music	Wolof female relatives of bride at a wedding celebration	02:39
103	Samba Gilajagi (Folk Story)	Professional Wolof storyteller	05:49
104	Dance Rhythms (1)	Professional Wolof storyteller	02:16
105	Tara (Traditional Song)	Two professional Wolof entertainers	08:01
201	Dance Rhythms (2)	Two professional Wolof entertainers	02:36
202	Ndei Kumba ("Mother Petticoat")	Professional male Wolof entertainer	03:36
203	Dance Music for Naming Ceremony (Gajo)	Mixed Wolof chorus	02:36
204	Hasida (Hymns)	Wolof followers of a holy man	04:27
205	Manka Yira (Praise Song)	Professional Wolof entertainer	03:00