Proving the Bubu Myth: Janka Nabay, War and Witchcraft in Sierra Leone

On Sierra Leone's independence day in late April, musicians descend upon Freetown from rural villages to participate in parades and celebrations throughout the city, traversing and joining diverse neighborhoods together with the sound of processional music including one particular local style called bubu. Bubu is a trance inducing sound played by groups of young men blowing interlocking, hocketed breath patterns into bamboo shoots. Bubu resonates with other African diasporic horn traditions (rara and gaga especially). It has long been a part of the cultural fabric of Sierra Leone, yet its deeper story has so far eluded scholarly examination. This program, supported by original fieldwork begins a serious exposition and investigation of the intriguing mythology and history that surrounds this unique, hypnotic music, through a focus on one Bubu musician Ahmed Janka Nabay, the artist recognized widely in Sierra Leone (and beyond) as "the Bubu King." Written and produced by Wills Glasspiegel and Drew Alt. This program is hosted by Sahr Ngaujah, star of the Broadway musical Fela!.