MUSIC OF SIERRA LEONE: VOLUME 4
Dances of the Secret Societies
Released by earthcds partners.
Recorded by Luke Wassermann
Audio CD: 72 minutes - 14 tracks.
This CD is the fourth volume of an anthology of traditional Sierra Leonean music produced by Luke Wassermann. It is a compilation of two events featuring members of the secret female society called Bundu. Every year, many parents send their girls to the "society bush" to learn about the traditions and customs of their culture. The most influential and prolific of the societies is Bundu. The recordings were done live in 2006 in Kassirie and Tagrin, and include both ceremonial songs and festive songs, but all the music is intended to incite dancing. The instruments include a large double-sided bass drum, small high-pitched drums called sangba, and a gourd-rattle. The 12-page booklet included in the package contains color photographs, song translations, and background information about Bundu.