L'Orchestre Kanaga de Mopti

In 1977, the Malian government label Mali Kunkan released a series of records, among which was this sacred Grail of Malian music. The ensemble hails from the city of Mopti and is named after the large ceremonial mask Kanaga of the Dogon people.

On the first side of the record, the track Kulukutu comes first, with its vocal introduction dedicated to celebrating a marriage. The composition N'Do N'Do is usually accompanied by a dance performed by children during Ramadan. Closing the first side is the track Sare Mabo about the weavers of the Dogon tribe.

The second side opens with the composition Kanaga, telling the story of the Dogon mask and the dancers who wear it during ritual ceremonies. This is followed by the song in the style of griot singers Gambari, performed during a wedding ceremony and praising the power of the groom. The closing track Sory Bamba is dedicated to the leader of the group Sory Bamba.

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