Yesterday, NPR's All Things Considered ran an item entitled "Bringing The Banjo From 'Africa To Appalachia'". It's available with extra music to hear at this page.

To quote:

All Things Considered, October 12, 2008 - While typically associated with traditional bluegrass, country and even jazz, the banjo has roots that stretch all the way back to West Africa. Musician Jayme Stone made that journey in search of the ancestors of his own banjo. Along the way, he met kora player Mansa Sissoko. The two have collaborated on a new album called Africa to Appalachia, and recently spoke about their musical partnership from the studios of Minnesota Public Radio in St. Paul.

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I haven't had a chance to give it much of a listen yet, but should be interesting. Jayme Stone is apparently a bluegrass & jazz-based player/composer.

~ Becky in Tucson