DESCRIPTION:
The West African Senegambian Akonting, a secular and folk instrument of the Jola people, is one important root and ancestor, among many, of the present day banjo. This video is part of an effort by the author to explore its potential and use in the current American musical and cultural context. This is also an attempt to explore the relationship of the Akonting to the African American music and song tradition, both with roots in Africa. This is illustrated by playing music on the Akonting for African American spirituals and secular songs. For more videos of the Akonting playing African and African American songs go to www.duelingshoes.com or 'stevesvideo' on Youtube. Contact Steve Levitt at stevelevitt@earthlink.net