To bring peace that stays: Music, conflict and conciliation in the Gambia

In the Senegambia Region of West Africa, performers have long played a central role in conflict mediation. Historically, this has included both small-scale conflicts, such as those between neighbours, and larger-scale conflicts between groups. This article draws on evidence from ethnographic researc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inInternational journal of community music Vol. 12; no. 3; pp. 349 - 366
Main Author McConnell, Bonnie
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Intellect 01.12.2019
Subjects
African Music
Conflict
Gambia
Harmony Ideology
Mande Studies
Music And Emotion
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Summary:In the Senegambia Region of West Africa, performers have long played a central role in conflict mediation. Historically, this has included both small-scale conflicts, such as those between neighbours, and larger-scale conflicts between groups. This article draws on evidence from ethnographic research with Gambian performers to explore contemporary perspectives on conflict and conciliation. I use analysis of three Mandinka-language songs relating to conflict within the family to show that performers work to promote conciliation through appeals to shared values of oneness, positive relationships and empathy. Examples include songs by hereditary professional musicians (jaloolu), a hip hop artist and female fertility society performers (kanyeleng). These songs are rooted in cultural frameworks of morality and goodness, while also reflecting gendered dynamics of risk and inequality.
Bibliography:1752-6299(20191201)12:3L.349;1-
ISSN:1752-6299
1752-6302
DOI:10.1386/ijcm_00005_1