Graceland BBC FOUR tonight!

Subject: Graceland BBC FOUR tonight!
From: Senoufou
Date: 15 Jun 18 - 03:42 PM

Can't wait for this, and also the following programme about music from Mali.
I've just been listening to Ladysmith Black Mambazo singing 'Inkanyezi Nezazi' (The Star and the Wisemen) which was used for the Heinz baked beans advert on TV some years ago.
And Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes - brilliant!
All set for a great evening of African music from the south and the west!

Subject: RE: Graceland BBC FOUR tonight!
From: DaveRo
Date: 15 Jun 18 - 05:05 PM

And then, at 2300, Les Amazones d'Afrique on Radio 3.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b5wkcq

Subject: RE: Graceland BBC FOUR tonight!
From: David Carter (UK)
Date: 16 Jun 18 - 05:39 AM

I watched the Mali programme. I guess that I was a bit disappointed that it seemed to leave the subject of traditional Malian music so early, and moved on to western influenced music.

Subject: RE: Graceland BBC FOUR tonight!
From: DaveRo
Date: 16 Jun 18 - 06:40 AM

I thought the Mali programme was good - better than I expected because it went deeper than the usual musical travelogue. As well as the Griots it covered the effects of the insurrections in the north, the Tuaregs, and the role of women - and casette tapes.

The dismissive comment by the rapper about the Griots towards the end was telling.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b624f1

Subject: RE: Graceland BBC FOUR tonight!
From: GUEST
Date: 16 Jun 18 - 07:15 AM

I think the two programmes had as a common theme the meeting of African and western music. Paul Simon (I love him!) let the vocal harmonies, complex rhythms and chords of the Zulus waft into his poetic ideas and the result in Graceland was magical.

Rita Ray (I warmed to her eventually after her first programme about Nigeria!) was apparently interested in the influence of African music on the Blues of USA, and in the way modern styles of western popular music have changed Malian styles of playing and singing.

The messages I got were that musically, when one culture encounters another, their music is influenced and transformed, often happily. But for purists of course, it can be sad to see traditions eroded.

I did want to see a bit more about southern Mali (where my husband's tribe the Senoufo originated) Although he was brought up in Ivory Coast, his family know many griots, and all weddings/funerals have griots in attendance.

Subject: RE: Graceland BBC FOUR tonight!
From: GUEST,Senoufou
Date: 16 Jun 18 - 07:16 AM

Gah! That was me above! Sorry, forgot to sign in!

Subject: RE: Graceland BBC FOUR tonight!
From: David Carter (UK)
Date: 16 Jun 18 - 01:48 PM

Yes, Senoufou, that did seem to be the emphasis. I guess maybe I was hoping more for something about the origin of the griots and their instruments in the Malian empire.

Subject: RE: Graceland BBC FOUR tonight!
From: Senoufou
Date: 16 Jun 18 - 02:15 PM

I was hoping for exactly that too David. I'd have liked just to watch the entire Graceland concert in South Africa (no commentary needed), and in the second programme, a straightforward documentary about Mali music, the instruments used and lots of examples of famous Malian musicians' performances.
However, I still enjoyed two hours of African musical heaven!

(bit of thread drift) I enjoy enormously the group 'Baka Beyond', who have got to know the Baka (used to be called pygmies) and who make excellent music using their traditions and involving their performers too.
They set up a system whereby money made by their albums and concerts is used to improve the lives of the Baka, with the emphasis on all decisions being made by the people themselves.

I'm very fascinated by the way music can build bridges, produce new music forms and send messages of peace and (literally!) harmony.

Subject: RE: Graceland BBC FOUR tonight!
From: Will Fly
Date: 17 Jun 18 - 06:46 AM

I have the complete (as far as I know) Graceland concert on DVD - excellent stuff. Apparently on Amazon UK for just under £3.