Tracks
A ni ce waralu
Interview
The third generation of this popular balaphone orchestra continues to bring the idea started by the group’s founders into the international arena. Farafina can best be translated as Sub-Saharan Africa, and this adaptation of a traditional Jula balaphone ensemble uses more balaphone players to create layers of percussive tones. The group’s lyrics often rejoice in everyday activities and values important to the lives of rural Burkinabe.
The group also sends a message to the youth to be proud of the traditions and cultures of their country as they adapt to the modern world. Lead balaphone soloist Seidou Denbele is an expert in the diverse balaphone traditions of Western Burkina Faso and is also one of the most respected balaphone makers in Bobo Dioulaso. This song was recorded during a regular rehearsal session in Bobo Dioullaso.
In a courtyard, just off a paved road, they squeeze the balaphones as close as necessary to feel them and practice at stage-performance quality. The entire surrounding area is relaxed with one or two standing around staring, a few small kids, and others grabbing chairs. They go from one song to another. The eight-person percussion ensemble is tight and prefers to face each other while rehearsing. They lined up for this recording near the end of a two-hour practice.
The use of a lion to represent farmers links the savage wild forests and its animals with the king of the land by another association: agriculture. The images, contexts, interpretations, and status of farmers is changing as different socio-economic classes in a changing Burkina Faso find new lifestyles and urbanize. “A Ni Ce Waralu” (meaning “Thank to you lions”) allows the title of farmer to be interpreted as kingly and proud, reaffirming an agricultural identity in a changing society with new challenges and values.
- Seidou Denbele- lead balaphone
- A Ni Ce Waralu – 3:46
- Seidou Denbele interview – 6:34
See all metadata and notes (pdf)
- Ethnic Group: Jula
- Language (dialect): Jula
- Country: Burkina Faso
- Recording date: August 20, 2014
- Recording location:
Bobo Dioulaso, Burkina Faso - Total Recording time: 10:20
- Technician: Brian Nowak
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