While Sunjata was growing into a great military leader, his home had been conquered by Soumaoro Kante' the powerful king of Ghana. Djata's jali/griot was given to Soumaoro. For these two reasons Djata and Soumaoro were destined to meet. Soumaoro a sorcerer lived high at the top of a seven story tower. His chamber was filled with fetishes, and skins, snakes and owls. In the room was also a large balafon (wooden xylophone). One day while the king was gone, Balla the jali/griot entered into the chamber and began to play the magical balafon, the music was most beautiful. Soumaoro entered the room and Balla began singing praises to the angry King. The King calmed by his playing declared from then on only Balla would play this balafon. And that he would be his griot. It would only be a matter of time that Sunjata and Soumaoro would meet in battle.
No comments:
Post a Comment