Description
Book SynopsisA study on fiddling in the Fulbe, Hausa, and Dagbamba cultures of West Africa. This book not only explains the history of the instrument itself, but also discusses the processes of stylistic transference and adaptation, suggesting how these may have contributed to differing performance practices.
Trade ReviewThe scope of this fascinating and painstakingly researched study is broad, but it is also meticulously focused, so that, after an introduction to the one-stringed spike bowl lute and a look at how it came to the region, Cogdell Djedje takes on each of the three cultures [Fulbe, Hausa and Dagbamba] in turn.October 2009
-- Catherine Nelson * The Strad *
Fiddling in West Africa furnishes substantive and intelligent answers to various questions about the nature and purpose of fiddling in Fulbe, Hausa, and Dagbamba. Djedje makes a significant contribution to ethnomusicology with far-reaching impact across disciplinary boundaries. Fiddling in West Africa is an invaluable resource for students and scholars, as well as the general public. Volume 36, No. 3, August 2009
* American Ethnologist *
Fiddling in West Africa . . . is a phenomenal addition to critical literature on African music in particular and ethnomusicology in general.Ths seminal publication represents an excellent consummation of a sustained scholarship on a West African music tradition that spans three decades. May 2008
* Intl. Journal of African Historical Studies *
This impressive book is both ambitious in its scope and meticulously detailed. . . The importance of Fiddlers in West Africa spans far beyond being a rich source of information about fiddling traditions. . . DjeDje's book defies these stereotypes by opening the reader to the sheer diversity of musical instruments, approaches, and repertoires in West Africa.66.2 Dec. 2009
* Notes *
. . . Fiddling in West Africa is a good resource not only for a Westerner who knows next to nothing about fiddling in some 'obscure' corner of Africa, but also for the African student and scholar trying to understand the musical practices of their folk. This interesting piece is as informative as it educative, and should be at the head of reading-lists for students of ethnomusicology and cultural studies, and on the desk of the avid reader.October 15, 2008
-- Abdulai Salifu * Indiana University *
[T]his is a fascinating book that deserves the attention not only of African-oriented scholars but also of ethnomusicologists in general, and it is recommended to all institutions dealing with African cultures. 51(2), 2009
* The World of Music *
Table of ContentsContents
Acknowledgments
Introduction: A Master Fiddler and a Significant but Little-Known Tradition
1. Fiddling in West Africa: Understanding the Culture Area
2. An Affirmation of Identity: Fulbe Fiddling in Senegambia
3. Calling the Bori Spirits: Hausa Fiddling in Nigeria
4. In Service to the King: Dagbamba Fiddling in Ghana
Conclusion
Appendix: Distribution of the One-Stringed Fiddle
Notes
List of References
Discography and Videography
Index
