Daniel Jatta Plays an Akonting Tune Written by his Father

Daniel Laemouahuma Jatta plays an akonting (ekonting) song composed by his father. The akonting is an instrument of the Jola people of Senegal and Gambia. Daniel's right-hand technique is of particular interest. The Jola of the Cassamance region of southern Senegal have named this downstroke technique "o'teck", meaning "to strike". O'teck is virtually identical to the first banjo style documented, "stroke style", and to the contemporary style known as clawhammer or frailing. Precise descriptions of stroke style can be found in banjo instructional manuals starting in the 1850's. This video was shot at the home of Chuck Levy in Gainesville, Florida where Daniel stayed while attending the University of Florida's Arts-in-Medicine Summer Intensive. The video was shot just after a summer shower on 7.10.11. At the beginning of the video, you can here the pitter-pat of fading the raindrops.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Senegal
• all things consdered
• Greg Allen
• National Public Radio.

[KillinDaWelfareMCs]

How many stings are on this instrument. it remeinds me of a Indian Ektara.

[banjochuck]

3 strings

[novembergentleman]

Thumbs up if NPR brought you here

[banjochuck]

I am glad if NPR brought you here.

[morriswil32]

What kind of strings go on these?

[banjochuck]

They are nylon fishing line.

[KudossMusic]

Where can u buy one

[banjochuck]

I think so too!

[wiscgaloot]

I think Daniel has made an excellent case for the influence this Gambian instrument had on the development of the American banjo. He plays and sings beautifully!

[morriswil32]

Beautiful