Research Catalog

Title

Alhaji Bai Konte [motion picture] / producer, director, Oliver Franklin.

Publication

U.S. Cultural Encounters, 1978.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Additional Authors

• Franklin, Oliver.
• Konte, Alhaji Bai.
• Taj Mahal (Musician)
• Cultural Encounters.

Description

1 film reel (12 min.) : sd., b&w.; 16 mm.

Summary

Alhaji Bai Konte, musician, storyteller and holyman, is featured in footage from The Gambia and Senegal. An acclaimed Mandingo kora musician and griot, Konte performs on this 24-string harp instrument for chiefs and holymen in various settings including those from his village, Brikama, Gambia. Kora construction from animal hide, calabash and strong wood is briefly shown. Narrator Taj Mahal explains how this music is directly connected to early American picking styles, how the Mandingo people use it to keep in touch with their history, and how Konte uses the kora and the Koran to bring beauty, understanding and meaning to the lives of his people.

Subjects

• Music > Gambia
• Konte, Alhaji Bai
• Qurʼan > Influence
• Mandingo (African people) > Music
• Kora music
• Documentary films
• Music > Africa

Note

• Sung in Mandingo.

Credits (note)

• Produced and directed by Oliver Franklin.

Call Number

Sc Visual VRA-243

OCLC

NYPG97-F636

Title

Alhaji Bai Konte [motion picture] / producer, director, Oliver Franklin.

Imprint

U.S. Cultural Encounters, 1978.

Performer

Alhaji Bai Konte, kora and vocals, with assisting musicians; voices of Alhaji Bai Konte and Taj Mahal.

Credits

Produced and directed by Oliver Franklin.

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Added Author

Franklin, Oliver. Producer

Konte, Alhaji Bai. Performer

Taj Mahal (Musician), narrator.

Cultural Encounters.

Research Call Number

Sc Visual VRA-243 Service copy

Sc Visual MPB-189 Original of: Sc Visual VRA-243