The Ngoni (Ancestor of the Banjo)
The Banjo originates from Mali, West Africa, where it is a popular string instrument known originally as the Ngoni (in Malinke) and the Xaalam in Senegal. It became widespread because it is easy to make from a gourd, easy to tune with three or four strings, and convenient to carry. West Africans brought the instrument to North America and the Caribbean during the Atlantic Slave Trade (1550–1860). They subsequently introduced its aesthetics, syncopation, swing, blue notes, and counterpoint to European migrant populations in the American South, including the Appalachians, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The Ngoni/Banjo is the first instrument of the Blues
The Empire of Mali (Home of the Ngoni/Banjo)
From the 10th to the 14th century, Mali was one of the great medieval empires of West Africa and a major civilizational center with trade routes extending to Europe and Asia. The empire established high standards in nation building, administration, finance, commerce, military capabilities, gold extraction, and higher education, notably through the University of Timbuktu.
The Kora
The Kora is a 21-string West African harp. As the instrument of the royal courts, its use was restricted. It is complex to construct and tune, and its secrets are passed down through initiation from generation to generation within a guild called the Djalis. Unlike the Ngoni, the Kora was not brought to the Americas.
The Balafon
The Balafon is the ancestor of the Marimba and was also brought to the Americas during the Atlantic Slave Trade. The name comes from the Malinke phrase "Bala Na Fo," which means "to make the wood speak." It holds significant importance as the first fixed-tone instrument in West African history, and both the Ngoni and Kora tune their strings to it.
You can view additional photos via the Flickr link below:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/university-of-san-francisco/19878136248/
Hear Pascal discuss the story behind the banjo and the wider roots of American music in his conversation with David Serero.
Listen to the iHeartRadio interview
