DESCRIPTION:
LIBANA: global music, connecting cultures
Learn more about Libana at http://www.libana.com/

Based on traditional rhythms, melodies, and dance of the Algerian Berbers, Amel Tafsout's song and dance honors Al Kahina (al-Kāhina in Arabic, meaning female seer), a beloved 7th Century North African Berber queen and priestess who, as a religious and military leader, led indigenous resistance to Arab expansion in Northwest Africa (known as the Maghreb today). The words and dance are from her point of view, describing the beauty of the Berber homeland--from the Mediterranean Sea to the Auros Mountains to the Sahara desert--as well as the people and creatures that share her land. Vocals with oud, clarinet, dumbek, riqq, and bendir (Linda Ugelow dancing).

More about Amel Tafsout: http://ameltafsout.com/
More about Old Songs: http://www.oldsongs.org/