Author : Jennifer Stone
Image Source : shutterstock.com
The influence of African Music and instruments is widely visible in the Global Music Industry. Rich cultural potential and passion for music make Africa stand out among all. Talking about the tropical beats, it is time to explore more about an ancient African musical instrument that is widely used around the world, named Balafon. While there are many versions of the ever-popular xylophone, Balafon is perhaps the oldest one. Created as early as the 12th century; this instrument has always been part of the rich African Musical History and is still being used by various music artists around the world due to its versatility.
Background
The Balafon is a wooden xylophone made from bamboo and gourd to resonate with sound. Its completely organic structure is one of the prime reasons why this instrument was made so early and has successfully survived through all these years. It is closely connected with Gur, Senufo, and Mandé, peoples of West Africa, along with the Mandinka ethnic group. However, its wide usage can be seen all over West Africa, from Mali to Guinea. The name Balafon is like of combination of the Mandinka name bala along with a European word phono or fon, which means play the bala.
Structure and Construction
As mentioned earlier, the Balafon is a completely wooden instrument. The bamboo frame holds a total of 21 wooden keys which are made from rosewood. The wood plays a vital role here the material to produce such a dynamic tonal quality, and therefore, it is always selected meticulously. After harvesting the material, it follows a series of intricate processes like cutting, carving, baking, and adjusting. The process is long intricate and highly delicate in order to produce rich sound. Every last drop of moisture is required to be extracted from the wood. The gourds used in the instrument are known as calabash but not every fruit is able to produce the rich sound. In order to reach optimal tonal quality, the selection must be done properly.
Artisans who create this instrument use only hand tools to make sure it reaches perfect resonance. Each key is hewed out with a knife and then tied to the frame with a single chord on each side. Under the keys, calabashes are attached to add more resonance to the tonal quality. These natural sound amplifiers work well and produce neat sound. A few holes are added to each gourd that helps to increase the buzz effect. The holes are traditionally covered by a spider’s web, creating noise-free sound with clarity.
There are generally two types of Balafons, namely fixed-key and a free-key. While the traditional fixed-key pattern is strung over a fixed frame, the free-keys are placed independently on a rubber pad. The Balafon can have a total of 17 to 21 keys which are usually tuned to pentatonic, tetratonic, or heptatonic scale based on the music artist. The kosso rosewood used in the instrument is dried over a flame in a kiln to make sure each key produces the right tone.
10 Best Balafon Players
Balafon is one of the most significant musical instruments that can be incorporated into both classic and modern musical creations. And who made it even more enjoyable for the listeners, are the artists. Let’s find out the top 10 Balafon Players.
1. Aly Keïta
This well-revered balafon player is currently living in Germany but he originally belongs to Guinea. The artist bought a new innovative approach to balafon playing by incorporating the elements of jazz and other music genres.
2. Balla Kouyate
This Malian-Guinean music artist is well revered around the globe for his balafon skills. His musical recordings and performances are quite intriguing, as they reflect the rich history and culture of his people. He is based in the United States. There is an influence of West African storytellers and musicians in his works as he was one of them.
3. Djiby Diabate
Emerging music artist from the West African country of Senegal who is better known for his dynamic and energetic style of music style. With an amazing sense of originality and creative essence; this artist created fusion projects that blend traditional rhythms with contemporary sounds.
4. Djiguiya
It is a percussion band from Burkina Faso that likes balafon in their music. Their highly energetic and engaging performances allowed the blending of traditional rhythms with modern influences.
5. El Hadj Djeli Sory Kouyate
One of the most respected balafon master players from Guinea who has been performing and recording music for decades now. The artist is currently learning the West African musical traditions.
6. Famoro Dioubate
This artist is famous among everyone as he collaborated with a wide range of music artists from around the world. After years of preparation, Famoro decided to move to New York where he performed with Mamadou Diabaté and with singer Abdoulaye Diabaté.
7. Farafina
Balafon is part of the percussion family and Farafina knows that well. Their ability to engage the audience with fabulous performance sounds effortlessly good. Their recording with the artist Jon Hassell has received critical acclaim.
8. Fodé Lassana Diabaté
This Malian musician is well-revered around the world for his work with the Symmetric Orchestra and Afrocubism. He is a highly talented master of balafon. He has been widely praised for his innovative and dynamic playing style.
9. Jali Haruna Jassey
This balafon player from Gambia has been performing and recording for many decades now. His intricate knowledge of West African musical traditions allows him to create music that speaks for life, culture, and the nation. Jali also teaches balafon at the The Gambia Academy.
10. Kélétigui Diabaté
He is one of the most talented Malian balafon players who is best known for his musical works with the Bamada group. The Group was led by guitarist and composer Habib Koité. They are well known for bringing traditional West African rhythms to life.
Evidently, Balafon has always been a part of the African music and culture. And this ancient xylophone has helped the musical culture proceed.
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