Dombáa Folee

The Heart of West African Healing
Music plays a vital role in the healing traditions of West Africa. Among the Minianka of Mali, every healer makes music and every musician is a healer. A musician’s apprenticeship includes the study of plants, magical words, proverbs, psychology, and philosophy. Their music heightens awareness and connection to nature, while restoring balance and harmony.

Master percussionist, author, teacher and healer Yaya Diallo spent his childhood studying music and medicine in Mali: “In my culture, people are encouraged to avoid those sounds and pitches that disturb them. Likewise, we are encouraged to expose ourselves to those sounds which are beneficial and healing. For the healer, it is important to be conscious of and to manipulate sounds and pitches intelligently and discerningly.”

On this recording you will hear many traditional instruments from West Africa, including djembes, talking drums, bamboo flutes, and balafons. You will also hear a Bafoko, the healing drum of the Minianka. This medical drum is played to help patients relax and digest the medicines they must take.

Track 1: N’Tiekele (10:03)
Track 2: N’Peen Yee (10:06)
Track 3: Niarra (10:33)
Track 4: Ka Tan (10:05)
Track 5: Bafoko Yoko (07:46)
Track 6: Mo Go Were Man Ntji (09:48)