Fula in the House

[audio http://afropop.streamguys.net/MP3/384H.mp3] As they led their livestock herds through West Africa in search of greener pastures, the Fulbhe--also Fula, Fulani, or Peul--spread a powerful music culture as well. Fluttering bluesy flutes, keening vocal melodies and bubbling percussion rhythms are strong elements in Fulani music, but the sounds are as varied as the deserts, forests, mountains, and riverside towns the Fulbhe have made their homes. On this program, we explore Fulbhe music from Guinea, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and elsewhere, and also music from some of the ethnic groups the Fulbhe have rubbed shoulders with over the centuries.