Mali 2009 with Ira Bond

Djelifoli is the name of a rhythm that accompanies the Djelidon, the dance that used to be danced exclusively by the Djeli, the Griot (foli means rhythm and don means dance). This name is used as well in Guinea as in Mali. There are definitely several versions of Djelifoli; are they seperate rhythms? It seems that they are variation of the same rhythm. Originally the balafon, kora od n'goni were instruments that were exclusively played by the Jeli. So these instruments together with the djelidundun (Kasonka Dundun) were used to play the Djelifoli. Nowadays the rhythm is often played in the djembe ensemble. One of the songs/interpretations that is sung with Djelifoli is Lamba or Lamban. This name is used in Guinea but in Mali the claim the dance of the Djeli to be called Sandia (Sandya.) My teacher in Mali, Bobacar Diabate of the National Ballet of Mali states that Lamba is synonymous with Garakedon, the dance of the leatherworkers caste. In this video, you see him and I playing what everyone I met in Bamako and Mali to be Sanja. In Mali, Sanja takes on the meaning of what I was taught to be Lamban. He insists that there is a definite difference, and because Mali is the cradle of Manding tradition, their interpretation is true and correct. Written by Ira Bond

Category:

Education

Tags:

• mali
• lamba
• djelifoli
• garakedon
• ballet
• national
• of
• djelidon
• sanja
• sandia
• bamako
• jeli
• ira
• bond

[phillydjembe]

Actually, he was saying that Garakedon and Sandia are two different rhythms,and yes Sandia Sumale is yet another. In the video he is playing Sandia.

[Hervinbalfour]

This is really interesting information. I was taught by Abdoulaye Diakite of Tambacounda that lamba refers to a family of rhythms with jalidong, dansa, tagay and djinafoli making up that family of rhythms. I have never heard of garakadong. Wow. You learn something new everyday. Thanks for this!

[farrangolaa]

woiw ...i like it! ;-)

[djembesilo]

i believe your teacher was referring to 'sandia sumale' having commonalities with garankedon. sandia sumale is not anything like lamban/sandia/djelifoli. thanks for the videos.