Inna Baba Coulibaly – Djilly Kawral (2023)
Inna Baba Coulibaly, the revered Malian Fulani vocalist, delivered a captivating and transfixing album on May 5th, 2023, titled “Djilly Kawral.” Raised in the melting pot of Nara, a district that borders Mauritania in the Kulikoro region of Mali, Inna Baba’s new album is an exploration of the rich cultural heritage of the Fulani, Soninke, Bamanan, and Moor communities. These groups have existed there since the days of the Wagadu Empire in the 4th century.
Inna Baba asserts that she is not the creator of her songs but merely a vessel through which they flow, guided by a deeper source and materializing through her authentic and evocative voice. Accordingly, Djilly Kawral, is a beautiful synthesis of traditional music that accompanies significant life events in her community.
The album is a celebration of love and peace and highlights an array of themes ranging from family, community, spirituality to national pride. The album features a dynamic vocal exchange between Inna Baba and her daughter Awa Poulo; the virtuosic ganbaré (Soninké lute) playing of Kandé Sissoko; the unparalleled tambin (flute) playing of Madou Traoré; and the deep hoddu (Fula lute) grooves played by Modibo Sissoko, son of the late ‘Old Lion’ Bazoumana Sissoko. Additionally, the album incorporates guitar, calabash, and the m’baggu, a Fulani marching snare/drum that is often paired with the flute during ceremonies.
Buy Djilly Kawral.
More about Inna Baba Coulibaly.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.