Introduction:
Modern Gambian music has evolved over the years thanks to influences
from Latin America in the late 1960's and 1970s as well as other
countries from the region such as Congolese music as well as the
musical traditions of the Fulas, Jolas, Wolofs and other ethnic
groups.
They all helped to create the uniquely Senegambia style of Mande
music.
Forerunners & Origins:
The legendary band known as the Super
Eagles, formed in the late 1960s, were at the forefront
of the post-independence musical talent to emerge from Gambia.
They had gained legendary status in much of West Africa at this
time and toured the UK and the rest of Europe as well. They were
influenced by West African music styles such as from the Congo
as well as by Afro-Cuban Salsa and Jazz. They were the first modern
Mande dance band in the country and toured widely including to
countries such as Senegal and Sierra Leone as well as a visits
to the UK and much of Europe. However, following the strong Pan-Africanist
feeling at the time which emphasised original indigenous culture
they decided to disband in 1972 and re-formed in 1973 under the
new name Ifang Bondi. Their sound
had evolved into a genuine, home- grown Senegambian style of music
combining traditional musical instruments such as the Kora with
the modern electric guitar.
To many they were the pioneers of the Afro-Manding music who paved
the way for other local bands such as Guelewar
and other Senegambian greats including the likes of Baaba
Maal and Youssou N'dour
of Ndaga fame.
Mr. N'dour himself has acknowledged their influence on him. Though
they are both Senegalese they likewise influenced modern Gambian
musical culture. Today it is it is N'dour's Mbalax style (helped
along by the singer Viviane, his
relation) that reigns supreme.
Contemporary:
Today many happily combine the traditional with the new such as
the Riti, tama, Kora and sabarr musical instruments with modern
instruments such as the electric guitar, organ, drum and bass
to create a uniquely West African style. The output comes in the
form of Ndaga, Africanized Reggae and Hip Hop with mostly Wolof
or English lyrics but also includes Jola, Mandinka and other
local tongues. Modern and traditional bands include Jalex, Jambedula
Cultural Group, Daniel Jatta, Manding Jatta. Though many
local youths try desperately to get onto the bandwagon a shortage
of cash and a small local market base often hinders any advancement.
Many musicians have been forced to go abroad in particular to
Senegal where they have banded up with other groups.
Thus as can be seen above there is no single style of music that
can be called "Gambian" as the traditional sits side-by-side
with the modern as well as a fusion of the old and the new played
with instruments both indigenous and 'borrowed'.
Culture & Traditions Music | Ndaga
- Mbalax
|
|
|
|
