This abridged rendition of the story of Sunjata Keita, founder of the Mali empire, is valuable for several reasons. Primarily as an opportunity for listeners to appreciate the soaring vibrato voice of Hawa Kassé Mady Diabaté, a true master of the art of the griot.
The Wedding of Kambili and Kumba by Seydou Camara
Kambili is the name of the hero of an epic Mandinka poem of the Wasulu hunters of Mali (see Kambili the Hunter for an earlier segment of the poem and further background).
Ah! Namu-sayers!
At this time, kolas had been sent out for a wife for Kambili.
And what was Kambili’s first wife’s name?
Her name was said, Kumba…
Kambili the Hunter by Seydou Camara
Kambili is a Mandinka epic poem of the Wasulu hunters of Mali. The poem concerns a heroic hunter, Kambili, and it is set during the reign of the Imam Samori Toure in the 19th century.
Kambili the hunter spoke out,
“My Father, Kanji, he said: “Yes?” the reply…
