Sunjata: The Returns of the King, Part II

This episode is dedicated to the memory of the great djembefola Mamady Keita, the Devil of Balandugu, who did so much to advance the appreciation of the music and culture of Manden all over the world.  Ka bank suma a koro- may the soil be cool upon him.

 

After three months wandering in the wilderness, Sumaoro returns to his fabled kingdom of Susu, where his step-brothers have used his long absence to intrigue against him.  In Susu, he is reunited with his elder sister, Kasiya.  He confides in her about his journey, and the bala, the wondrous instrument shown to him by the jinn, with which he is now obsessed.  Finally, we learn the terrible price the King of the Jinn is asking for it.

CAST:  

Sumaoro Kantè- Frank Oglesby

Kasiya Kantè- Lezlie Harrison

Numunkeba/Jinna Maghan/Announcer- Ahmat Jallo

Lancei the Blacksmith- Mangue Sylla

Numudi- Maguette Sylla

Fodè- Aminata Sylla

Keleya Konkon- Mamasata Sylla

Kefarin, Male Slave, and Baby Fakoli- Aaron Greenberg (Arouna Kouyate)

Cast Headshots and Bios can be found at https://tariku.net/castandcrew

 

MUSIC:

"Numu Foli", arranged by Bassidi Konè

Bassidi Konè- djembe, bala

Papa Diabatè- djeli ngoni

Yaya Coulibaly- vocals

Mohamed Koussoubè- dunduns

https://open.spotify.com/artist/3D5YOJ9tk93cLrZZp59172

"Sumaoro's Theme" arranged by Arouna Kouyate (Aaron Greenberg)

Andy Algire- bala

Mohamed Kantè- vocal sample

"Jina Foli" composed and performed by Mamadou Sidibe https://music.apple.com/us/album/dounouya/1395903854

"Kawa" performed by Fadouba Oulare and ensemble

https://music.apple.com/us/album/fadouba/279743069